This course will cover the history of vision aids from antiquity to the 20th century. Because of time constraints, it will be more of a survey than an in-depth analysis. The instructor will include examples of eyeglasses in art and the symbolic use of eyeglasses. Actual examples from the 18th to 20th centuries will be displayed.

This Mere Existence is a celebration of our true human nature and a call to embrace that human nature for the sake of those with whom we share the planet. This Mere Existence attempts to: remind us that we are highly evolved beings capable of empathy and reciprocal altruism, and naturally endowed by our creator with inalienable human rights; motivate people to join worldwide efforts to restore those rights to all of our sisters and brothers, and provide nonviolent strategies for restoring human rights to their central place in human existence. People of all spiritualties are welcome to join the conversation.

To the ancient Romans, Morocco marked the western limits of empire. To its Muslim conquerors, Morocco was “the land of the setting sun.” To Hollywood, it was a hotbed of wartime intrigue – memorably brought to life in the movie Casablanca. This program provides a colorful glimpse of the history and culture of Morocco. From the desert oases of the south to the ski slopes of the High Atlas Mountains … from the bustling markets of Marrakech to the old Jewish Quarter of Fes … Morocco offers the armchair traveler a wealth of wondrous sights and fascinating facts!

This will be a 4-session Zoom discussion of the book: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande. You will need to obtain and read the book on your own. The class will cover two to three chapters of the book each week. In order to facilitate good discussion, specific discussion questions will be assigned in advance for each week. We encourage you to take part in all four sessions, do “homework” between sessions, and share your thoughts, concerns, and personal plans for the end of life with other participants.

One in ten U.S. adults has a food allergy, and about half of these cases do not show up until adulthood. The prevalence of food allergies and intolerances in American society has seen an uptick in recent years, and while we may not all have one; most of us know someone who has uncomfortable reactions to a specific food. This course will provide insight on the difference between allergies and intolerances, how food allergies are diagnosed, and resources for safe, allergen-free recipes, advice, and more!

When we wake up the first morning after retiring, we realize that we are no longer defined by the work we do. We ask ourselves, “Who are we now?” We need to find another identity and outlets that give us purpose. It is time to reflect on our skills and interests, and search for how that can be expressed in new ways. We can find meaning in deeper friendships, volunteering, service projects, continued learning, hobbies, or even part-time work. Any of these can bring us a purposeful identity. If we missed this opportunity in pre-retirement, the time to start is now.