TUESDAY

Tues. Sept 9 10:30-11:45am 

Welcome and Preview, with Judy Langer

Welcome to the start of our fall 2025 program! We have a great program this fall: 8 weeks of daytime classes Tues, Weds and Thurs, with many returning and also new teachers. We are inviting all our fall teachers to join us to briefly tell us about their upcoming classes. New attendees are welcome to join us to find out about our program too – we ask that they write to let us know they would like to come at info@clandl.org. Looking forward to seeing you.


Tues. Sept 16 10:30-11:45am 

Generations & Our Connections: How Do You Fit? with Pam Goldfarb Liss 

This presentation will outline the qualities and context of all of the living generations, from Traditionalists (born 1928-1945), Boomers (1946-1964), Gen X (1965-1980), Millennials (1981-1995), Gen Z (1996 -2009), Gen Alpha (2010- 2024) and now Gen Beta (born 2025).  We will examine how they connect within the events of their childhoods, as well as how technology has influenced their attitudes and ideals. Every generation has an impact, each with its own philosophy resulting from events that unfolded. Students will have a better understanding of the influences that mark generations as we discuss new ways to communicate and connect. Throughout, Pam will engage us in discussing: How do we fit together? How can we keep connecting? She has 30+ years of experience in marketing planning and qualitative research with kids and teens.


Tues. Sept 23 10:30-11:45am 

Retirement: Making Your Money Last, with Adrian Lezcano

How can older people prepare to live the retirement that they have envisioned? In this class, we will discuss the many concerns that we face navigating through retirement. Attendees will learn investment practices to help build a strategy to last throughout their retirement years. In addition, we'll explore how to address key concerns such as inflation, healthcare expenses and market volatility. Ways to prepare for things that may not go as expected is an important part of being prepared. Adrian is a financial advisor at Edward Jones, an investment service.

Tues. Sept 30, 10:30-11:45am 

Mapping the Subway: Past and Present, with John Tauranac

The purpose of a well-designed map is, of course, to help travelers get “from here to there,” yet some NYC subway maps, including the new diagram, have been notoriously confusing. Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s subway map committee for the bulk of its existence in the mid- and late 1970s, John was the creative director of the official subway map published in 1979. That map won its share of kudos, including in The New York Times (“The Best Subway Map in Years”), a review by its architectural critic, Paul Goldberger (“At Last, A Usable Subway Map”), and a Commendation for Design Excellence awarded by the US Department of Transportation and the National Endowment for the Arts. He also has designed maps for Historic Battery Park, Avenue Magazine, the Parks Council, the Madison Avenue, Grand Central and Lincoln Square Business Improvement Districts, both editions of Kenneth T. Jackson’s Encyclopedia of New York City (Yale University Press), and the most recent edition of his New York From the Air (Abrams). In this session, he’ll show several examples of subway maps, discussing why some work and others don't.

Tues. Oct 7, 14, 21 10:30-11:45 am (3 sessions)

Makers of History XXVI, with Manfred Weidhorn 

The three figures Manny will discuss this semester are Ulysses S. Grant, Sigmund Freud and Karl Marx. Grant was one of the few giants of history who had no less than four separate careers, the first of which was a complete bust.  Freud’s central theory has fallen apart, but he left a huge trail of insights. And Marx had the same problem. If you ask how a great man can be so wrong, just think of how much literature was produced by thinkers believing in the Greek gods or by early Christians believing there is no salvation without Jesus, an idea which the late Pope dismissed. In his classes, Manny looks at the broader context of what these famous figures meant in their time and ours, recounting their history and impact with analysis and humor. Professor Emeritus of English, Yeshiva Univ, he has published a dozen books and 100+ essays on historical figures, cultural history, and the relationship between religion and science. 

Tues. Oct. 28, 10:30-11:45am 

Solid State, a short film, with Derek Shane Garcia

Derek’s latest film focuses on two women, Gretchen and Abigail, who catch up at a bar in New York City after years apart.  The movie has been screened at several film festivals and will be shown during the class, with Derek discussing its creation and production. He is a filmmaker born and raised and still in Brooklyn, who got his start at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2009 as a Film Fellow; also nominated for and won several awards at various film festivals. His recent directorial debut feature film, A/way, screened at the prestigious Dances with Films NY, was nominated for and won awards at several film festivals, including the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, where it won Outstanding Feature, Director, and Performance in a Narrative Feature Film. A/way is available on streaming platforms, including Amazon. He has made two documentaries for CBS Sunday Morning and PBS for Ken Burns, that have aired nationally. BFA in Film from SUNY Purchase Film Conservatory.

Tues. Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 1-2:15pm (8 sessions)

Poetry for Pleasure in the Fall, with Barry Wallenstein 

These lectures with discussion will involve close readings of poems – classic, modern, and contemporary. Our aim is to listen to the sound poems make. What makes a successful language performance? We will discuss these works’ emotional truth, unity of expression, and attention-holding, pleasure-providing use of language. Barry invites guest poets to join him for some classes. He is the author of 12 collections of poetry, most recently It’s About Time, as well as Time on the Move and Tony’s Blues (bilingual French and English). 

Tuesday Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, October 28 2:45-4pm (5 sessions) 

What Do You Think? Discussion, with Bill Goldman

This course is a group discussion of current events, focusing on significant economic, social, and political issues in the news. A few short articles from major newspapers and journals are sent to students in advance to read so we can come to talk about our views on the subjects. We want to hear what you think! Bill has led similar discussions for a number of years for other organizations. He is a retired foreign service officer of the US Agency for International Development.


Tues. Oct 7 2:45-4pm. 

Regional American Foods: From Lobster Rolls to Funeral Potatoes, with Karen Gershowitz
Take a delicious journey across the United States without leaving your seat! This fun program explores America’s most iconic – and most unusual – regional foods, from beloved classics like Maine lobster rolls and Chicago deep dish pizza to quirky local favorites such as Iowa Snickers Salad, North Dakota’s Kase Knoephla, and Hawaii’s Spam Musubi. Along the way, you’ll discover the immigrant influences, local ingredients, and cultural traditions that shaped these dishes, plus the stories and festivals that keep them alive today. Perfect for food lovers, travelers, and anyone curious about the flavors that make each corner of America unique. Karen describes herself as a travel addict, writer and photographer. Author of the travel memoir, Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust and Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places and Curious Cuisine.


Tues. Oct 14 2:45-4pm

A Filmmaker on Filmmaking, with Adam Friedman

This session will be a compendium of projects Adam has worked on as a film director and producer, including music videos, cable and feature films. He says, “I have led a very interesting life in a multitude of genres. I have learned and been lucky enough to work with an incredible variety of people in places that people dream about (some wonderful, others nightmarish). I've learned a lot and look forward to sharing some of that with you.” The session will include a number of video clips.

Tues. Oct. 21 2:45-4pm

Who’s Not Afraid of Virginia Woolf? : A Talk on Early Scenes in her Life and Writing, with Patricia Laurence

Virginia Woolf is highly visible in our popular culture: in the recent Bloomsbury fashion revival, as a commercial icon on a shopping bag or t-shirt, as the face that sells more postcards than any other in the National Portrait Gallery, in Edward Albee’s play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? linked with fear,  as a feminist guerilla fighter, as the invalid lady of Bloomsbury, as a snob in high intellectual circles, as the sometime lover of Vita Sackville West, and, recently, the suicidal character in The Hours. There are many Virginia Woolfs, but Pat will champion her as one of the most important writers of the twentieth century.  This talk will focus on scenes in her early life and writing that inspired her novel, To the Lighthouse. Patricia is a writer, critic, poet, and Professor Emerita, English, CUNY.  Publications include The Reading of Silence: Virginia Woolf in the English Tradition; Lily Biscoe’s Chinese Eyes: Bloomsbury Modernism and China; Virginia Woolf and the East.



WEDNESDAY

Weds. Sept 10, 10:30-11:45am 

A Wide-Ranging View of Politics in Kentucky, the US and More, with Mike Ward in Conversation with Judy Langer

Mike is a former congressman from Louisville, who also has been a radio talk show host and consultant for candidates.  He’ll talk about his politically divided state – Andy Beshear, Democratic governor and buzzed-about potential presidential candidate in 2028 – and two senators, Mitch McConnell, former speaker, and Rand Paul. Mike was Assoc. Director of the Peace Corps for President Bill Clinton. Judy will ask him questions, which he doesn’t want to know ahead of time. Attendees are invited to bring their own questions and comments, which she will moderate in Group Chat; she is CL&L Executive Director.

Weds. Sept 17 10:30-11:45am 

Foundations of Investing, with Adrian Lezcano
This is an educational program for people who are either new to investing, want or need a refresher. Attendees will learn about the importance of developing an investment strategy, the impact of asset allocation, and the influence of inflation on their long-term goals. What questions do you have about investing? Adrian is a financial advisor at Edward Jones, an investment service.


Weds. Sept 24, Oct 1 10:30-11:45am, Oct 8 1:00-2:15pm (3 sessions) 

Film Comedies with Something to Say, with Judy Langer

This course features some famous movies that make us laugh and remain in many people’s memories. What they have to say is meaningful but never didactic. Session #1: Born Yesterday, starring Judy Holliday, William Holden and Broderick Crawford, directed by George Cukor. Holliday plays Billie Dawn, stereotypical “dumb blonde,” a “kept woman” by the corrupt Crawford, who bribes lawmakers. Holliday’s physical comedy is a pleasure to watch. Thanks to Holden as a reporter enlisted to smarten her up, Billie learns what real democracy means. Session #2: My Favorite Year, starring Peter O’Toole and Joe Bologna, about a washed-up actor who starred in swashbuckling movies and now will be on a famous TV program, to his horror. The old actor learns something about families, especially after a very funny visit to a Jewish family in Brooklyn. Directed by Richard Benjamin. Session #3: When Harry Met Sally, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, directed by Rob Reiner. Yes, we’ll show the famous Katz’s Delicatessen scene, along with several others. All the sessions will include some backstories of the movies and show selected video clips. Please watch the movies in advance if you can in order to enrich our discussion; they are available on Amazon.com. Judy is CL&L executive director.  


Weds. Oct 8 10:30-11:45am

How Can Cable News Survive in This Challenging Environment?, with Ben Norbitz in Conversation with Inara de Leon

This session will explore how NewsNation, a new and quickly expanding cable network, deals with several major challenges today. That includes a shrinking TV cable landscape, and criticism from both the right and the left for aiming at neutrality and objectivity. The network has been thriving, our speaker believes, based on its promise to deliver news and perspective for Americans across the political spectrum. Ben, a producer of the network's highest-rated program, anchored by Chris Cuomo, will be in conversation with Inara, a former TV News producer. 

Weds. Oct. 15, 22, 29 10:30-11:45am (3 sessions)

Writing Creatively, with Bonnie Max                                                         

This course provides us with an opportunity to explore our thoughts and feelings. Bonnie gives us some open-ended prompts that offer room for interpretation. They may be questions, incomplete sentences, quotations, lists or images. We jot down whatever comes to mind for us. Then we share our work by reading aloud and listening to each other. There is no judgment or criticism. Everyone is welcome. No previous writing experience is needed. Currently Bonnie is teaching at the Asian University for Women (AUW). 

Weds. Sept 10 1:00-2:15pm 

Who Loves You Best, a Novel with Marilyn Simon Rothstein

Marilyn published her first novel when she was 63. Now, she says, she’s 45. (Good idea, we say.) And topping the Amazon charts in Jewish fiction. Her latest, Who Loves You Best, asks the reader these questions: When is the time to stop “doing” for your family – and start “doing” for yourself? What’s the difference between selfish and selfless? Whether you're Jewish or not, ask yourself, could you live in a town where you couldn’t get a good bagel? Join Marilyn to discuss serious – yet laugh out loud funny – interactions between daughters, mothers – and too many grandmothers. 

Weds. Sept 17, 1:00-2:15pm 

New York City During WWII, with Martin Schneit

New York and its environs played a pivotal role during the World War II years. Marty will talk about and show images of landmarks that played a role during that time. Many survive to this day, such as the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the German headquarters of the Manhattan Project in the Battery. And, of course, Times Square. We’ll see a selection of videos and photos. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Marty has had a lifelong love for knowledge of the city and its rich background. An amateur historian, he has lectured at a number of organizations, including the New York Public Library, National Council of Jewish Women, JCC, The 92nd Street Y, The Health Outreach Program of New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale.


Weds. Sept 24 1:00-2:15pm 

Beethoven: Deafness Did Not Defeat This Composer, with Martin Schneit

Marty sees Beethoven as “an immortal gift to the world, who lives today in the most wonderful music ever penned by a mortal hand. Most of his best work, surprisingly. was done after he became deaf. The First Symphony was the first of nine symphonies that changed the history of music. The Ninth Symphony still holds a supreme place in the hearts of the music-loving world, especially its final movement, commonly known as the Ode to Joy, featuring four vocal soloists and a chorus.” Marty recommends you listen to these great compositions if possible before the class: Symphony No.1, Symphony No.3 (Eroica), Symphony No.5, Symphony No.9, Moonlight Sonata, Emperor Concerto, and Fidelio Opera. Selected portions of some of these works will be played during the session. Marty has lectured at a number of organizations, including the New York Public Library, National Council of Jewish Women, JCC, The 92nd Street Y, The Health Outreach Program of New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale. He is an amateur historian and music lover.

Weds. Sept 24 2:45-4pm

CL&L Focus Group Discussions, with Judy Langer

The topics of the discussions will be chosen closer to the dates of the sessions. Some will be about current issues and others will be more broadly on concerns many of us have today. Comments on your thoughts and feelings are welcome. Looking forward to a lively discussion with you! Judy, CL&L executive director, moderated focus groups for clients (and sometimes for herself as client) for 40+ years and wrote a book on the subject.



Weds. Oct 1 1:00-2:15pm 

The French Connection: The Movie and Real-Life, with Fred Weinberg 

The French Connection is an award-winning Hollywood film, starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, directed by William Friedkin. It’s the riveting story of an investigation by the New York Police Department’s Narcotic Bureau in 1961 to capture a French drug smuggler. It was adapted from the non-fiction book of the same title by Robin Moore, who said, “The most spectacular action scene in the movie, the car and the elevated railway chase was not in my book, as it never happened. The chase scene was only the creation of Billy Friedkin, the movie’s brilliant director. As I watched the movie at its grand premiere in New York, I wished I had been allowed to take some of the liberties created by the screenwriter and the director.”  Selected film clips will be shown. If you can, watch the movie in advance; it’s available on Amazon. Fred will talk about his personal experience with the real-life event. He is the author of Social Workers with Guns.

Weds. October 22 1-2:15pm                                                                                                          The Benefits Of Plant-Based Living, with Madi Shevlin                                                   Everyone can benefit in many ways from consuming more or solely plant-based in their diets and lifestyle. It is safe for all to focus on eating plant-based foods, and in general investing in plant-based products. Equally important, plant-based living brings about environmental benefits. In this class we will discuss more information on ways to safely approach switching your diet to plant-based, the health benefits it brings, the diseases it can help support curing, and ways you can get involved more in plant-based communities for more fun & information. Madi has been vegetarian for 10+ years and has worked for New Jersey based nonprofit NJVEG through Brookdale Community College, where she currently attends.


Weds. Oct 29 1:00-2:15pm 

Lost and Found: The Sinking of the Titanic and the Discovery of Its Remains, with Meish Goldish

When the Titanic sank during its maiden voyage in 1912, the world was horrified and astounded. How could it have happened? The great ship was supposed to be unsinkable! To add to the mystery, no one knew exactly where the sunken ship rested on the ocean floor. It took 73 years for ocean explorers to locate the gigantic vessel.  What, exactly, caused it to sink? And how was it finally rediscovered two-and-a-half miles down in the water? This class will take you on an unforgettable journey to the past to uncover one of the world's most perplexing mysteries. Meish is an amateur historian.



Weds. Sept. 10, 17  2:45-4:00pm 

Broadway’s Triple Threats: From George M. Cohan to Lin-Manuel Miranda (2 sessions), with Karen Valen 

 Seeing only one name listed in the Playbill for composer, lyricist, and book writer is quite unusual.  Fulfilling all three of these roles requires a truly multi-talented creative artist.  And yet, Broadway’s history does have several people who managed to do all three of these jobs while creating a magnificent whole.  We’ll examine musical numbers from some of their successes and marvel at their multi-disciplined talents.  And who are these creative Broadway legends?  We’ll check out the works of George M. Cohan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Frank Loesser, Noel Coward, Meredith Willson, Jonathon Larson, Mel Brooks, and others.  And be ready to applaud these versatile artists. Karen ushers both on and off-Broadway and has been attending theater for over seventy years with all those Playbills to prove it.

   Weds. Oct 15, 1:00-2:15pm                                                                                                         Inside TV News, with PIX11’s Monica Morales and Magee Hickey 

This insider view of TV news brings together seven-time Emmy award winner Monica in conversation with Magee; they are colleagues at PIX11 in NY. On her program, Monica Makes It Happen, Magee says, the newscaster “is really making a difference in so many people’s lives.” Monica honors everyday heroes and celebrities who help their communities thrive, including celebrities and leaders of organizations that provide resources to help her viewers in need. She is also very active in the Hispanic community. The session will include video clips of Monica’s program. Magee, a great friend of CL&L, has worked at every local TV station in NYC.

Weds Oct. 1 2:45-4pm 

Charles Strouse: Broadway Hits and Misses, with Karen Valen 

The career of composer Chrles Strouse (1928-2025) certainly had its highs and lows.  There were the big successes on Broadway: ANNIE, BYE BYE BIRDIE, GOLDEN BOY, APPLAUSE.  And then there were several shows that didn’t make it to ten performances.  There was one thing the hits and the flops had in common: there were wonderful songs in both categories.  And some of these numbers will be highlighted in this presentation.  Just a note that if you want to hear “Tomorrow,” you will have to get out your ANNIE cd or go to YouTube, as I’m focusing on some of his lesser-known songs. Karen ushers both on and off-Broadway and has been attending theater for over seventy years with all those Playbills to prove it.

Weds. Oct. 8 2:45-4pm

Travels in Taiwan, with Karen Gershowitz

Karen takes us on a vivid journey through Taiwan. Together with her adventurous 18-year-old grandnephew, they explored bustling cities, serene countryside, night markets brimming with tempting street food, and tranquil temples steeped in history. Along the way, they sampled Taiwan’s unique and unforgettable flavors – from delicate mountain-grown teas to sizzling street 0snacks—and uncovered the stories behind the country’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear about engaging (and often hilarious) encounters with locals, moments of unexpected kindness, and experiences that reveal the warmth and humor of Taiwanese hospitality. Through Karen’s storytelling and photographs, you’ll stroll through lively markets, wander ancient lanes, and venture into lush landscapes. Whether you’re curious about Taiwan’s food scene, history, or everyday life, this program promises to entertain, inform, and maybe even inspire your next adventure. Karen describes herself as a travel addict, writer and photographer. Author of the travel memoir, Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust and Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places and Curious Cuisine.


Weds. Oct. 15 2:45-4pm 

A Filmmaker on the Films That Made Me, with Adam Friedman

In this session, Adam will talk about “the plethora of films from people who formed what I have admired and tried to do.” That includes Jean Renoir, Orson Welles, Francis Ford Coppola and Stanley Kubrick, as well as masters like Alejandro González Iñárritu. Why do these films work while some other famous ones do not? Adam asks, “What happens when folks start to watch Joe Rogan podcasts instead?” Adam is a film director and producer. The session will include a number of video clips.

Weds. Oct 22, 2:45-4pm 

The Great Women of Rock and Roll with Alan Steinfeld
The 1960s and ‘70s were full of great power bands of male superstars, but the women of that period made significant contributions and innovations to that special tradition of the American music scene. This class will survey some of the great artists, their contributions, and the importance of their work in contributing to the equality of women in the post-'60s era. Drawing on examples of the “Classic Age of Rock” from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, we will watch and listen to some of the cultural heroes that have helped give us more feeling and meaning in our lives. Alan is the producer/host of the YouTube channel program New Realities and author of the award-winning book, Making Contact: Preparing for the New Realities of Extraterrestrial Existence.


Weds. Oct 29, 2:45-4pm

Trends Among Leading Edge Thinkers in the Last 30 Years, with Alan Steinfeld and David Katzmire

The fields of science, spirituality, arts and entertainment have varied dramatically in recent times. In our rapid-paced American culture, we find the contemporaneous trends often rule over traditional precedents. Every few decades, it feels like we are almost living in a new country. Compare the 1930s to the 1960s, and the 1960s with the 1990s to see the huge differences. Alan will review what leading figures have had to say over the last few decades in his experiences interviewing such noteworthy thinkers as Dr. Deepak Chopra, journalist Lynne McTaggart, author and lecturer Bruce Lipton and more. Alan is the producer/host of the YouTube channel program New Realities and author of the award-winning book, Making Contact: Preparing for the New Realities of Extraterrestrial Existence. David is a technology consultant for CL&L

THURSDAY

Thur. 10:30-11:45am Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 9, 16, 23, 30 (7 sessions)

Law in the Headlines: Exploring Current Legal Controversies, with Leora Harpaz 

It often seems that high-profile legal controversies are almost a daily occurrence now, making them lead stories in the news. Leora will discuss the Supreme Court's recent actions in areas of political significance. That was true of many of the cases the Court decided during its 2024-25 Term in which President Trump scored major victories. Topping the list was the Court’s decision to severely limit the ability of lower federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions rather than relief that only applies to the parties before the Court. Other decisions expanded religious liberty, limited free speech, and upheld a ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender teenagers. In addition to cases on the Court’s regular docket, Leora will review cases that came to the Court as emergency applications, the Trump administration’s favorite method of quickly reaching the Supreme Court when it loses in a lower court. Finally, she will describe major cases that the Court has already agreed to hear during the 2025-26 Term. Students will have an opportunity to make suggestions for topics that they would like to have discussed in upcoming classes. Leora is professor emeritus of constitutional law at Western New England Univ. School of Law; founded the annual Supreme Court Conference, where she has been a speaker for 20+ years.

Thur. Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:00-2:15pm (6 sessions)

Politics 2025, with Larry Geneen

Donald J. Trump has returned to the White House, taking quick action on a number of promises about massive deportations, tariffs on foreign goods, changes in civil service, relationships with foreign countries, and more. Among his most controversial moves have been sending military forces to Washington DC, threatening to send them to other cities with Democratic mayors. The battle continues over redistricting, which can give Republicans more seats in Congress. And fights over cuts in government agencies, some headed by administrators determined to reduce their size, also go on. How are the Democrats, including potential 2028 candidates, responding? What is happening in electoral battles in several key states and major cities. Larry discusses these and other developments. As always, Larry encourages interactive discussions and welcomes student suggestions of topics to cover; write to judy@langerqual.com. He is a retired management consultant.

 

Thur. Sept 25 1:00-2:15pm 

From the Protest Movement to the MAGA Movement: Understanding the Current Politics of Redistricting, with Elyse Gura

Current redistricting in Texas and California was not initiated by a decennial census, but by a “statement” from President Trump to Texas Gov. Abbott that “we are entitled to 5 more seats.” While there have been redistricting activities outside of the decennial census before, this is the first time that redistricting began with a Presidential “suggestion.”  This presentation places that request in the context of changes that began in ‘50s-era America, followed by Obama’s election in 2008 and the opposition’s responses. The current focus on redistricting can be understood in the context of two groups: those who benefitted from and/or supported the political and social changes, and those who lost out or were opposed to the changes. Elyse is a former French teacher from Brooklyn who became SVP of Worldwide Consulting at Open Text, a Canadian multi-national, multi-billion-dollar technology company. She lives in Manhattan Beach, California, a state highly involved in the redistricting issue.


Thur. Sept. 11, Oct. 23, 30 2:45-4pm (3 sessions)

Building Your Resilience Toolkit: Science-Based Skills for Everyday Well-Being, with David Salo                                                                                                                               We're living in interesting times. A pervasive sense of stress and fatigue is seemingly everywhere. This four-session series teaches evidence-based wellness skills to support you through the next news cycle, the holiday season, the short days of winter, and beyond. We'll explore four dimensions of well-being: mental (managing thoughts and emotions), physical (energy and vitality), social (relationships and connection), and environmental (creating spaces that support rather than drain you). You'll learn biology-based techniques that help you read your nervous system and return to balance quickly, and discover which areas need attention with specific strategies for each. Throughout the course, we’ll include a focus on integration – how to weave these tools into a personalized framework you can use long after the course ends. David says these skills are perfect for anyone who wants practical, science-backed approaches to well-being that actually stick. He is certified as an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, Yoga & Meditation teacher, and Community Resiliency Model (CRM) teacher; 20+ years of business experience combined with deep training in body-based awareness and nervous system work, with individuals and small groups through his personal development practice, ThroughLine Institute.



Thur. Sept. 18, 25 2:45-4pm (2 sessions) 

Laugh Loudly and Carry a Big Shtick, with Meish Goldish 

Since the dawn of television, there have been many popular comedy variety shows on the air, including The Milton Berle Show, The Sid Caesar Comedy Hour, The Carol Burnett Show, Second City Television, and Saturday Night Live (now in its 50th year!). Each show featured either a cast of regulars or guest celebrities who performed in humorous skits. Meish is back with more hilarious short episodes to show us in 2 different sessions. Discussion questions will follow: What makes each skit funny? Is it the writing, the acting, or both? If a skit is decades old, would it still be considered politically correct to televise today? Meish is the author of Oy Vey! A Yiddish Coloring Book?


Thur. Oct 9, Oct 16 2:45-4pm (2 sessions)

The Gilded Age – The Real One, with Richard Klein

There is currently running on cable tv a wonderful series called The Gilded Age, which explores the interpersonal relationships of characters who supposedly lived during this period. Most are completely fictional, but some are based on real-life people. This course will explore the real Gilded Age, which covered from 1870 to the early 1900s. The course really has nothing to do with the TV series except for an occasional reference. While the term “Gilded Age” conjures up the concept of great wealth, there was so much more to this remarkable and controversial period. Along with great wealth, there was crippling poverty in addition to great advancements and growth. From the titans of industry and business to the philanthropists who gave so much of themselves and their resources, this was truly a magical time. Richard is an amateur historian.