Fall ALFA Brochure - Fitchburg State University

COURSE OFFERINGS FALL 2022

Adult Learning IN THE Fitchburg Area fitchburgstate.edu/ALFA

Adult Learning IN THE Fitchburg Area

CONTENTS | ABOUT US

What is ? ALFA (Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area) is a lifelong learning institute that serves adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities.

ALFA is sponsored by the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State University in collaboration with volunteer members of the community.

We offer non-credit daytime classes, trips, special events, and a free speaker series. ALFA students are encouraged to volunteer and participate in program leadership and development as well as social and recreational activities. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Mission ALFA provides an opportunity for lifelong learners to meet and share interests in an informal setting and pursue learning for enrichment and personal growth.

Teach with ALFA! Have a specialty that you think others would be interested in? We’re always looking for new instructors and new subject areas to offer our ALFA’s. Contact us at [email protected] for details about becoming an ALFA instructor.

Have a question? Call the ALFA Office at 978-665-3706 or email us at [email protected].

Contents

About ALFA .................................................................. 1

Instructor & Facilitator Bios.........................2-5

Session 1: At-A-Glance..........................................6

Session 1: Course Descriptions ................. 7-11

Session 2: At-A-Glance........................................12

Session 2: Course Descriptions ............. 13-15

Special Courses & Programming.............. 16

Registration Information .......................... 17-18

Registration Form .........................................20-21

EASY online registration Know INSTANTLY if you got into a course!

REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 10, 2022 AT: marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/ALFA

1

mailto:[email protected]


COURSE OFFERINGS Fall 2022

INSTRUCTOR & FACILITATOR BIOS

Gail Allo grew up in Brooklyn, NY and obtained her B.A. from Brooklyn College. She began her Master’s in English literature at New Paltz College and finished in Cambridge College in Boston. She owned and ran a local flower shop for 20 years before becoming a high school English teacher.

Aldo Bianco emigrated from Trieste, Italy in 1953 at the age of six. He received his B.A. from Queens College and his Master’s degree from Brooklyn College with a concentration in geochemistry. He is a lifelong educator teaching high school and eventually the prin-cipal of the Yeshiva Academy of Worcester. After retiring, he accepted a teaching position

in the Math and Science Department at Mount Wachusett Community College.

Simone Trottier Blake, mother, grandmother, and Librarian Emerita from Fitchburg State University, discovered her niche as a commu-nity advocate in post-retirement. She embraces learning, especially in several Stewardship programs offered by the nonprofit organization, NewVue Com-munities. She also enjoys volunteer work with

the Friends of Fitchburg Abolitionist Park and her faith community. Along with telling stories, mostly about Fitchburg, Simone’s greatest joy comes from time spent with family and friends.

Eric Budd has taught at Fitchburg State since 1994. He is a full professor in the department of Economics, History, and Political Science with research interests in the 3rd World, conflict resolution, and democratization. His book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was published in 2012.

Sara Campbell has been researching her own roots for over 30 years. She is an author, editor and lecturer. She has taught non-credit classes in genealogy at Greenfield and Holyoke Community Colleges and lectured to many regional societies including Central Mass. Genealogical Society, Mass. Society of Genealogists, Lowell Genealogy Club, Polish

Genealogical Society of Mass, Wistariahurst Museum and many libraries. She has published profiles of her ancestors in “Western Massachusetts Families in 1790” through the NEHGS.

Will Close is an artist, educator, and business owner who has dedicated years of study to natural history and art. He recently graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a degree in Fine Art Painting. Currently, Will resides in Concord, MA where he is a private nature connection mentor and an outdoor education instructor with the Carroll

School located in Lincoln, MA. In addition, Will is currently the inaugural artist in residence with North Country Land Trust. Artwork from his residency will be on view at the Fitchburg Art Museum during the fall of 2022.

Jeff Coté, The Occidental Taoist, has been called one of the hidden treasures of New England. Jeff has been professionally studying Qigong, Medical Qigong, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Tao Yin, Taoist Meditation and Zhongyi Medicine for nearly thirty years. Mr. Coté has also been teaching these arts for over twenty years at Massage and Bodywork schools,

Senior Centers, Community Centers, schools of Asian Healing Arts, and in various Martial Arts facilities both across the country and internationally. Most recently, his public access television show— Tai Chi: The Way to Radiant Health—has earned him the moniker of “The Bob Ross of Tai Chi.” Jeff has professionally practiced Zhongyi Medicine (Classical Chinese Medicine) in the disciplines of Tuina, Medical Qigong, and Herbalism for over twenty five years.

Sally Cragin is an award-winning journalist (Boston Phoenix, Boston Globe) and the author of The Astrological Elements, and Astrology on the Cusp (Llewellyn Worldwide). Both books have been translated and sold in many countries including India, Russia, Canada, British Virgin Islands, the Czech Republic and Estonia.

Martha Crawford is a retired consultant focusing on customer development in the banking and nonprofit arts in the US and Europe. She has a background in political science and philosophy, and a long-term appreciation of art, culture and making connections.

2


INSTRUCTORS & FACILITATORS

Bob Cronin is a retired professor of English and Film Studies at Mount Wachusett Community College. He taught film for over thirty years and presented numerous film series, including both Russian and French movies.

Danette V. Day is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Fitchburg State University. Danette is an educator and scholar with a thirty-year career in higher, public, private, charter and innovation school educa-tion. She is a community activist, social justice proponent, life-long learner and committed to the preparation of skillful, reflective

teachers and administrators. Her research examines community engagement, sense of belonging and mindfulness in teaching and educational leadership. As the Co-President of the Friends of the Fitchburg Abolitionist Park (abolitionistpark.org) Dr. Day is currently working on park development, community sustainability and honoring the history of abolitionism in Fitchburg.

Nancy Fillip is a retired high school science and math teacher and currently teaches several academic courses for an international online educational company. Her love of French, music and art is extensive, and she has taught many courses for ALFA, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Acton-Boxborough Community Ed and privately in her studio.

Nancy has written and published nine books and continually seeks to learn.

Emily Fine is a retired high school science teacher and former ALFA board member. Emily first learned to quilt by taking an ALFA course and since taking that course about ten years ago, Emily has become passionate about the entire quilting process.

Karen Fluet Roy is a lifelong resident of Fitchburg and a repeat graduate of Fitchburg State University in both Nursing and Mental Health Counseling. She is now semi-retired and enjoying her recently-discovered love of walking pilgrimage in Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal). Karen has shared her experi-ences and knowledge base with all types of

audiences. She welcomes those interested in walking, learning

more about these picturesque, historic routes, or those who simply desire to see and hear a bit about this phenomenon of pilgrimage abroad.

Barbara Friedman, retired librarian, worked at Reference and Information Desks at public, special, and university libraries in Wisconsin, New York, and Massachusetts—including Fitchburg and Westminster. She has taught tech skills in libraries since the ‘90s and has taught classes for ALFA since 2014.

Anne Gilman is the author of the best-selling book Doing Work You Love, (Cheryl Gilman) McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, Barnes & Noble Books; Amazon/Create Space. Anne led career seminars across the country before she started offering creative writing workshops in New England. She also has over 20 years’ of experience writing and editing books, local

news, publicity stories, marketing & communications materials, proposals, and newsletters. Anne is also a visual artist and enjoys offering intuitive art/abstract drawing/painting courses. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Danforth Museum, Concord Art Assoc., Gardner Art League and the Lunenburg Library.

Sally Hens is a retired teacher and dietitian. She also has a second career as a National Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Cape Cod National Seashore. Sally enjoys forest walking with her dog.

Joyce Ayadi Hinckley’s doctorate in Counseling Psychology has allowed her to be a practicing psychologist, university professor, and an orga-nizational executive and consultant. She has a lifetime of study in art, culture, history, and reli-gion across the world. She is passionate about making connections across disciplines and empowering others to do the same.

Catherine Hunter was museum curator, educator, and consultant for over twenty years. She received her B.A. in History of Art from Cornell University and began her career as a curator in the Department of Textiles at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Catherine has a lifelong interest in studying the overlap of art history, science, and culture.

3

https://abolitionistpark.org



Jane Joyce, Professor of Accounting at Quinsigamond Community College, has been an instructor for 25 years and is currently enrolled in the Historical Preservation Certificate Program at Boston Architectural College. Professor Joyce grew up in Lancaster, MA and has a passion for history and histor-ical preservation in Central Massachusetts.

Linda Kennedy, retired preschool teacher and longtime ALFA member and past ALFA presi-dent, has been quilting for 30 years. She first learned hand piecing and quilting in the days before the rotary cutter was invented!

Ann-marie LaBollita is an artist and teacher who believes in the transformational power of art and yoga. She has a BFA in painting and an MFA in studio teaching. Ann-Marie is also a Certified Yoga Instructor and a Let Your Yoga Dance instructor. She happily spends her time teaching, in her studio and on her yoga mat.

Judith Lindstedt is a retired dancer/Actors’ Equity performer. She has studied with Joseph Pilates, Igor Youskevitch, and Eric Franklin; she has also studied Ideokinesis, and Breathing Coordination with Carl Stough. Judith has degrees from Goddard College, VT., and MEd. & CAGS from Fitchburg State.

Paul Luria has been performing and teaching as a musician on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica for fifty years. He is a retired public school teacher and administrator.

Paula Cookson Luria is a retired ESL & Bilingual teacher of Kindergarten through gradu-ate-level students. She loves to travel and frequently uses her Spanish skills while exploring the world.

Carol P. McConnell is a graduate of Smith College, Northampton, MA. She has been studying and practicing breathwork for 15 years and has extensive experience and knowledge of the autonomic nervous system, its intimate connection to our breath, and the impacts on both physical and emotional health. Carol holds a certification in Breath-

Body-Mind and has completed training with Richard Brown MD and Patricia Gerbarg MD.

Terry McConnell spent 40 years in public education in secondary schools. He was a social studies and video production teacher, as well as a school librarian and special educa-tion liaison officer. After retiring from the public schools, he was trained in the Breath-Body-Mind program of Richard P. Brown MD and Patricia Gerbarg MD. Terry is currently

pursuing a masters degree to become a certified clinical exercise physiologist at Springfield College.

Art Norman is a retired Fitchburg Public Schools teacher and administrator. He is a strong believer in lifelong learning, loves to read, enjoys travel, history and gardening. Art is currently the President of the ALFA Board. “Education is not preparation for life; educa-tion is life itself.”- John Dewey

Laurie Nehring is a former Science teacher and a former Environmental Science Librarian. She now works as an independent naturalist, who is passionate about getting people outside to become ‘naturally curious’ about the world around them. She works with MassAudubon, North County Land Trust, Nashua River Watershed Assoc, and The

Trustees. One of her favorite programs is leading night walks and searching for barred owls.

Alison O’Hare began birding in 1998. She is a graduate of Mass Audubon’s Birder’s Certificate Program, has taught programs on Introduction to Birdwatching, Sparrow Identification, and Bird Banding, and has led many bird walks. She enjoys working with participants at all levels of experience, espe-cially new birders or those looking to develop

their birding skills. Alison currently leads birding programs at Mass Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary.

4



Ben Railton is Professor of English and American Studies at Fitchburg State University. He’s the author of seven books, most recently Two Sandlots: Baseball, Bigotry, and the Battle for America. He also writes the daily AmericanStudies blog, contributes the bimonthly Considering History column to the Saturday Evening Post, and is a prolific public

scholarly tweeter @AmericanStudier.

Jessica Robey is an artist and art historian, and has been a professor of art history at Fitchburg State University since 2007. She earned a BFA in photography at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, and a PhD in art history at UCSB. Her dissertation focused on the intersection of art and natural history in sixteenth-century Europe, and her studio

work also explores how art and science mediates our relationship with the natural world.

Veda Ross was born in New England and retired in South Carolina. She has held posi-tions from Assistant Professor to Senior Executive within the healthcare industry, with her career spanning the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Veda is an avid lifelong learner and has a passion for learning about the history and culture of

people from around the world. As an instructor in the ALFA program, Veda enjoys sharing her unique life experiences as well as the knowledge she has gained.

J.J. Sylvia IV is an Assistant Professor of Communications Media at Fitchburg State University, where he teaches courses on human communication, communication law and ethics, data analytics, and digital human-ities. His research focuses on the philosophy of communication and analyzing the impact of big data, algorithms, and other new media

on processes of subjectivation—how we are created as subjects. His academic training includes an M.A. in Philosophy and a Ph.D. in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media.

Paul Weizer is a Professor of Political Science at Fitchburg State University. During his more than twenty year tenure at the university, Dr, Weizer has taught courses in American government and politics and most of the university’s law classes. In addition, he has coached the university’s award winning moot court program. Dr. Weizer also served in a

variety of leadership positions at the faculty and administrative level. Dr. Weizer served as president of the American Collegiate Moot Court Association and remains a member of its executive board. Dr. Weizer graduated from Temple University and holds a Master of Science degree in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Political Science. He has published widely in the area of sexual harassment law, speech rights, and simulated legal education.

ALFA is part of the Fitchburg State Community

As an ALFA participant, you are welcome to participate in many campus events.

Check out the event calendar at fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/events

5

https://fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/events


- -S

ES

SIO

N1:

Se

pte

mb

er

–O

cto

be

r2

02

2SESSION 1 | AT A GLANCE

SE

SS

ION

1:

Se

pte

mb

er

– O

cto

be

r 2

02

2

Tim

es

Mon

day

Sept

. 19;

O

ct. 3

, 17,

24,

31

Tues

day

Sept

. 20;

O

ct. 4

, 11,

18,

25

Wed

nesd

aySe

pt. 2

1, 2

8;

Oct

. 12,

19,

26

Thur

sday

Sept

. 22,

29;

O

ct. 6

, 13,

20

Frid

aySe

pt. 2

3, 3

0;

Oct

. 7, 1

4, 2

1

Satu

rday

Sept

. 24;

O

ct. 1

, 8, 1

5, 2

2

9:00

–9:

30 A

M

Fall

Bird

ing

Aliso

n O

'Har

eO

UTS

IDE

Qui

lting

with

aPu

rpos

eEm

ily F

ine

& L

inda

Kenn

edy

CPS

Nat

ural

lyCu

rious

:W

eekl

yTh

emed

Nat

ure

Wal

ksEa

st o

fFi

tchb

urg

Laur

ie

Neh

ring

OU

TSID

E

9:30

–10

:00

AM

From

the

Turb

anto

the

Fez:

The

Ott

oman

Empi

re15

00-

1923

Joyc

eAy

adi

Hinc

kley

ON

LIN

E

Span

ish

Conv

ersa

tion:

Mys

tery

in M

adrid

Paul

a Lu

ria**

10 W

ks.

$80

CPS

Redu

cePa

in a

ndIm

prov

ePo

stur

ew

ith Y

oga

Ann-

mar

ieLa

Bolli

ta**

SS:

10 W

ks.

$80

ON

LIN

E

Wal

king

Mod

ern

Pilg

rimag

e:El

Cam

ino

de S

antia

goKa

ren

J.Fl

uet R

oyCP

S

10:0

0 –

10:3

0AM

Ba

rre

Stre

tch

and

Tone

Judi

th

Lind

sted

tDA

NCE

STU

DIO

Befo

re &

Af

ter

Eman

cipa

tion:

AnIn

trod

uctio

nto

Fitc

hbur

gAb

oliti

onis

tHi

stor

yDa

nett

e Da

y &

Sim

one

Blak

e**

SS: S

tart

aw

eek

early

OU

TSID

E &

CPS

Wal

k Ab

out

Sally

Hens

OU

TSID

E

Post

ure

Wor

kout

Judi

th

Lind

sted

tDA

NCE

STU

DIO

How

Art

Rev

eals

Nat

ure

Jess

ica

Robe

y&

Will

Clo

se**

SS:

10 W

ks. $

80O

UTS

IDE

&O

NLI

NE

10:3

0 –

11:0

0AM

Artif

icia

l In

telli

genc

ein

Mov

ies

Bob

Cron

inHA

MM

ON

D:EL

LIS

WHI

TE

ALFA

Sal

on:

Cont

inui

ngth

eCo

nver

satio

nM

arth

aCr

awfo

rdO

NLI

NE

FREE

Pove

rty

and

Ineq

ualit

yin

the

Deve

lopi

ngW

orld

Eric

Bud

dCP

S or

ON

LIN

E

11:0

0 –

11:3

0AM 11

:30

AM –

12

PM

12:2

0 -

1:50

PM

A Re

view

of t

he 2

021-

22

Supr

eme

Cour

t Ter

mPa

ul W

eize

rLE

OM

INST

ER P

UBL

IC L

IBRA

RYFR

EE

Anci

ent L

ore

for M

oder

n Ti

mes

Sally

Cra

gin

** S

S: 1

0 W

ks.

$80

CPS

Uku

lele

: N

ext S

teps

Paul

Lur

iaCP

S

Goo

gle:

Beyo

ndth

e Ba

sics

Barb

ara

Frie

dman

ON

LIN

E

Zent

angl

eis

for E

very

one

Nan

cy F

illip

CPS

Begi

nnin

g Ta

i Chi

Jeff

Coté

**SS

: 10

Wks

. $80

HAM

MO

ND:

S08

Holid

ayFl

oral

De

sign

sGa

il Al

loCP

S

2:30

–4:

00 P

M

Hiki

ng w

ithTh

orea

u:Te

chno

logy

and

the

Goo

d Li

feJ.J

. Silv

iaO

UTS

IDE

&O

NLI

NE

Bota

nica

lPr

intm

akin

gw

ith a

Gel

Pl

ate

Ann-

mar

ieLa

Bolli

taCP

S

Art f

rom

Intu

ition

Anne

Gi

lman

ON

LIN

E

Brea

th-B

ody-

Min

d,Li

fe-A

lterin

g Ex

perie

nce

Caro

l McC

onne

ll&

Ter

ry M

cCon

nell

CPS

Crea

tive

Writ

ing

&M

emoi

r Wor

ksho

pAn

ne G

ilman

ON

LIN

E

Italia

nCa

fe'

Aldo

Bian

coCP

SFR

EE

4:00

-4:

30 P

M

6


SESSION 1 | COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

`Fall Birding Mondays: 9 - 10:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 Wachusett Meadow Alison O’Hare Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are one of the many people who have recently started bird-watching and you’re now ready to take the next step, then this course is for you. You’ll take part in a walk each week to learn about the birds that migrate out of New England in the fall and those that stay through the winter. The leader is an experienced birder who enjoys working with new birders and helping those at an intermedi-ate level improve their skills. The walks will be slow paced, and time will be provided during each session for questions and discussion. At the end of this course, you should feel more confident in your ability to go out birding on your own or with others. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Binoculars, field guide to birds of North America. Classes will be held outdoors. Participants should dress for cool/ cold fall weather and wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for traversing uneven, sometimes rocky, or slippery terrain.

`Quilting With a Purpose Mondays 9 - 11 AM Enrollment Limit: 10 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 CPS Classroom Emily Fine & Linda Kennedy SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

This course is suitable for quilters of all abilities, especially begin-ners. The purpose is twofold: to learn basic quilting techniques and to send a welcoming gift to new refugees. We will learn to construct simple quilt blocks. After making enough blocks, we will sew them together creating quilt tops. The finished quilts will be donated to a non-profit group that helps settle refugees in New England. Few things symbolize warmth, safety, security and love as much as a quilt. Learn a wonderful hobby and do something good at the same time! Fabric will be provided by the instructor. REQUIRED MATERIALS: basic sewing machine, white or beige cotton sewing thread, rotary cutter with 45 mm blades, rotary cutting mat approximately 18” x 24”, pins, quilting ruler at least 12” long, scissors.

`From The Turban to the Fez: The Ottoman Empire 1500-1923 Mondays: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 Online Joyce Ayadi Hinckley SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

How did the Ottoman Empire go from being the greatest European power of the Renaissance to “the sick man of Europe”? This course will take a look at the people, economics, science and culture that contributed along with a framework to put it all in an understand-able perspective.

`Barre Stretch & Tone Mondays: 10 -11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 11 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 FSU Rec Center Dance Studio Judith Lindstedt

This medium pace workout is composed of chair sitting and barre standing exercises to increase full-body mobility and strength. This class is for people who are starting to exercise after a long sedentary period, recovering from injuries, or suffer from chronic conditions. The barre work allows your spine, hips, quads, and hamstrings to stretch and strengthen. The combination of sitting and standing exercises will tone arms, hips, thighs, and waist leaving you feeling lengthened, strengthened, and energized. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Flexible, rubber thin-sole shoes; Light hand weights (1-2 lbs), water.

`A Review of the 2021–2022 Supreme Court Term Mondays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 35 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 Leominster Public Library Paul Weizer FREE Sponsored by Friends of the Leominster Public Library

This course will review the role of the Supreme Court in American Society and focus on the most significant decisions from the current term.

`Hiking with Thoreau: Technology and the Good Life Mondays: 2:30 - 4 PM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 Hybrid: Various Outdoor J.J. Sylvia IV Locations & Online

Henry David Thoreau wrote that “our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract us from serious things. They are an improved means to an unimproved end.” In this class, we will collectively retrace both Thoreau’s actual steps through a series of hikes and his thinking about how to be intentional about the role of technology in our lives. How might we compare and contrast the transformation caused by the internet and cell phones today to those brought by the telegraph and trains in the 19th century? We will pair our own walks in nature with both Thoreau’s writing and the latest research in the humanities and social sciences as a way of better developing our own understanding of the impact of tech-nology on our lives and that of broader society in the 21st century. Our first and last class sessions will occur online and include discus-sion and activities related to media theory. For the three middle class sessions, we will meet at a hiking location where we will walk and talk. REQUIRED TRAVEL: For each of three weeks, we will plan to meet at and hike easy to moderate trails for an hour and a half at the following locations: Mt. Wachusett, Mt. Monadnock, and Walden Pond. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Water, sturdy walking shoes or boots, dress in layers for the weather (including light rain), and tick prevention clothing or spray. Be prepared to walk over uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. Readings will be shared digitally via email. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: A light snack, walking poles, and camera.

7



`Botanical Printmaking with a Gel Plate Mondays: 2:30 - 4 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 CPS Classroom Ann-marie LaBollita

Working with a small Gel Press or Gelli plate, participants will make beautiful prints using acrylic paint, and a brayer using flow-ers, weeds and leaves from their home garden. Prints can be matted and framed, cut up for collage or made into cards. This is a fun and easy way to explore printmaking without a press. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Small Gel Press or Gelli plate, brayer, foam roller or large paint brush, acrylic paints, paper and scis-sors. RECOMMENDED MATERIAL: Card stock or cards to print on. MATERIALS FEE: $10 materials fee for those who do not have their own equipment.

Àrt From Intuition Mondays: 2:30 - 4:30 PM Enrollment Limit: 12 Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 Online Anne Gilman SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

This course aims to help you free up your creativity so that you can engage fully in making art, whether you are a seasoned or new art-maker. Creative intuition is an instinct, a kind of ‘sixth sense’ that helps guide an artist’s work. Everyone has their own natural intuition, which is a key asset in creating art. By letting go of preconceived ideas about art-making and tapping into your unique imagination, you can explore new horizons in your work. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Materials list will be sent to students prior to first class. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Art from Intuition by Dean Nimmer, Painting from the Inside Out by Betsy Dillard Stroud.

`Spanish Conversation: Mystery in Madrid Tuesdays: 9:30 - 11 AM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 20; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; CPS Classroom Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec. 6 SPEC. SCHED.: 10 Weeks – $80 Paula Cookson Luria

Are you a beginner or intermediate learner of Spanish ready to work on your fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation? Using Olly Richards’ very short natural dialogs embedded in Misterio en Madrid (Mystery in Madrid), you will read the conversations trying to follow the gist of the mystery and reread using the vocabulary list for a deeper understanding. Then we will move on to the next chapter. Our class time will be spent taking parts, reading the book out loud and engaging in discussion of the chapters, as you are comfortable and able. Find your inner actor! There is no pressure in this relaxed and fun course. You can come and just listen if that is what you are comfortable with. This 10-week course will give participants time to complete the whole book. We suggest that you read the excellent description of Richards’ methodology on Amazon. If you are ready to give his approach a try, the instructor is ready to guide you. REQUIRED MATERIALS: 101 Conversations in Simple Spanish by Olly Richards.

Àrtificial Intelligence in Movies Tuesdays: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 20; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 Hammond Building Bob Cronin Ellis White Lecture Hall

Do Androids Dream? The first mad scientist and the first robot in the movies both appear in Fritz Lang’s classic Metropolis (1926). And the artificial intelligence idea continues in many films over the years—think of Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)—down to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1983), a movie that is a direct descen-dant of Metropolis in several thematic and visual ways. We’ll look at Lang’s and Scott’s movies closely and glance at some exam-ples of the “AI” theme in other movies. We should all be grateful to Mary Shelley for starting the whole business by creating her monster in Frankenstein long before anyone thought of movies. REQUIRED MATERIALS: A notebook.

Àncient Lore for Modern Times Tuesdays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 18 Sept. 20; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; CPS Classroom Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec. 6 SPEC. SCHEDULE: 10 Weeks – $80 Sally Cragin

Folk practices are pan-cultural, and in this entertaining and infor-mative workshop, you’ll learn about a global variety of customs with a special focus on Tarot Cards. This 10-week course will explore the history of Tarot, which dates back to the Renaissance, and provide hands-on experience for students interested in learning about card spreads and interpreting meaning. Have you ever wanted to learn about what the cards have in store? Yes, it is the 21st century, but ancient lore is all around us! REQUIRED MATERIALS: Rider-Waite Tarot Cards, notebook and pen/pencil. MATERIALS FEE: $15 (moon sign almanac)

`Before & After Emancipation: An Introduction to Fitchburg Abolitionist History Wednesdays: 10 - 11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct. 12, 19 Abolitionist Park & CPS Danette Day SPECIAL SCHEDULE: Starts a week early & Simone Blake

Join us at the Fitchburg Abolitionist Park, 42-50 Snow Street, to learn about Fitchburg’s rich Abolitionist history and the people who made it. We will introduce a variety of stories and events using primary source documents. Among the many people you will meet are Benjamin Snow Jr., Josiah Trask, Martin and Caroline Becker, and Caroline Briggs Mason. Also, you will learn more about prominent abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimke and Frederick Douglass. PLEASE NOTE: Classes will be held outside in the Abolitionist Park. Dress for the weather. Bring lawn chairs. During inclement weather we will meet in the Fitchburg State University Center for Professional Studies Classroom.

8



`Ukulele: Next Steps Wednesdays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 21, 28; Oct. 12, 19, 26 CPS Classroom Paul Luria

This course is meant for people who are familiar with the ukulele and some knowledge of basic chords. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Ukulele Method Book 1 by Lil’ Rev published by Hal Leonard & A ukulele: soprano, concert or tenor. Not a baritone—they are tuned differently. It is strongly recommended that you buy from a local store where the instrument will be correctly strung and tuned.

`Google: Beyond the Basics Wednesdays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 21, 28; Oct. 12, 19, 26 Online Barbara Friedman

Google is more than a search engine. Learn the many functions of Google: Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Maps, Drive, Calendar, Meet, YouTube, and more. REQUIRED MATERIALS: An internet enabled device or two. Having a smartphone and a PC, MAC or iPad to follow along allows for the best experience, but only one device is required. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Books on Google are available at your local library. Look for the latest editions!

`Breath-Body-Mind, Life-Altering Experience Wednesdays: 2:30 - 4 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 21, 28; Oct. 12, 19, 26 CPS Classroom Carol & Terry McConnell

Learn simple techniques to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance concentration and balance your emotions. Breath-Body-Mind practices will reacquaint your nervous system with a balance acuity unrealized before this class. Allow yourself a more focused life, generating energy, enhancing coping skills, and good health. You will learn awareness of how your breath can agitate or comfort you. Learn how to properly breathe, keeping the body and mind operating optimally. You will learn how trauma and emotional stress are maintained when breathing is not done properly. The way you breathe has been linked to how one feels and copes with chronic conditions such chronic pain, panic attacks, asthma, sinus issues, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, COPD, PTSD, etc. You will learn how improper breathing can cause a “fight or flight” response to stressful situations. We will also explore strategies on how to stay calm when under stress through proper breath. REQUIRED MATERIALS: The Healing Power of the Breath by Richard Brown MD and Patricia Gerbarg MD, please note that it is important to have the CD which comes with the book.

`Reduce Pain and Improve Posture with Yoga Thursdays: 9:30 - 11 AM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20; Online Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15 SPEC. SCHEDULE: 10 Weeks – $80 Ann-marie LaBollita

A gentle class geared toward relieving pain by bringing alignment to the body. The class begins with a short meditation and warm up stretches. We continue with a series of repeated poses to address chronic pain issues in the upper and lower body and finish with a restorative relaxation. If you have acute pain, please consult your doctor. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Yoga mat, 2 yoga blocks, pillow, blanket and a strap.

`Walk About Thursdays: 10 AM - 12 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 Various Outdoor Locations Sally Hens SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

This class will meet at a variety of trail heads in Leominster State forest, Sholan Farms, and Sterling. Participants will need to be able to walk 3 to 4 miles at a 2 mile per hour pace. Trails may include roots, rocks, small stream crossings and elevation change. Light rain will not cancel the hike, but it may change the location. Please provide an email address for any changes. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Broken in hiking shoes or boots, water bottle and walking sticks if balance is an issue for participants. Hunting season begins in October. All participants are required to wear orange vest and hats.

`Poverty and Inequality in the Developing World Thursdays: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Enrollment Limit: 30 Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 Hybrid: CPS Classroom Eric Budd & Online Options

This course is an introduction to the developing world—the nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through its focus upon the two themes of poverty and inequality, students will learn about the developing world—its history, politics, economics, societies, and cultures. PLEASE NOTE: This course will be offered in-person in our Center for Professional Studies (CPS) Classroom AND online via Zoom. We are piloting technology that allows people to use Zoom to join this course remotely. Please select either in-person or online when registering (not both).

9



`Zentangle is for Everyone Thursdays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 CPS Classroom Nancy Fillip

If you can hold a pen, then you can do Zentangle. This is a fun and easy way of creating art by learning beautiful non-objective patterns that can be done on just about any surface using an ultra-fine black tipped pen. No artistic experience is necessary, and we will be creating art compositions that can be done in each class. Doing Zentangle has proven to be calming and meditative and will bring out the inner artist in you. Zentangling is relaxing and despite your ability, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. REQUIRED MATERIALS: 20 pieces of plain white copy paper. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Micron pens of any size.

`Creative Writing & Memoir Workshop Thursdays: 2:30 - 4:30 PM Enrollment Limit: 10 Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 Online Anne Gilman SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

Every life holds many stories. Whether your life is wildly uncon-ventional or relatively normal, there is bound to be something fascinating about it. That is why the contemporary memoir— everyday people telling their stories—has become such a popular phenomenon. A memoir covers an aspect of a life, a theme, or an adventure. Whether it’s a short piece about, say a bicycle ride with a friend, a book about your entire childhood, a marriage, growing older, spiritual beliefs, etc., you will jumpstart your creativity using short prompts for those stories that you want to focus on. You will discover a supportive group to help unleash and uncover your imaginative genies whether for memoir, fiction, poetry, non-fiction and/or essays. As a professional writer/author, the instructor of this course knows the challenges of overcoming blocks and voices that say, “What do you mean you want to write (or paint, or sing, etc.)? Who do you think you are?!” Here’s an opportunity for people who have always wanted to write, to have a supportive, safe space in which to do so. You must feel safe in order to create. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Pen/pencil and notebook; and/or computer.

` Italian Café Thursdays: 2:30 - 4 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 CPS Classroom Aldo Bianco FREE Sponsored by the Center for Italian Culture

Italian Cafe’ is a participatory group discussion class that will incor-porate general everyday conversations in the Italian Language. Topics of discussion may include Italian culture, literature, and current events. Participants should have at least a modest fluency in conversational Italian and basic reading comprehension. Our goal is to improve one’s fluency in the Italian language, therefore safeguarding the Italian tradition in our community, and have some laughs and fun.

`Walking Modern Pilgrimage: El Camino de Santiago Fridays: 9:30 - 11 AM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21 CPS Classroom Karen J. Fluet Roy

Based on experience and research, this course is intended as an overview of walking modern pilgrimage in Spain on the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James), covering the Who, What, When, Where and How, and investigating the centuries-old question of Why? Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from the far reaches of the world have found the challenge, comfort, and camaraderie of walking 800 Kilometers across the beautiful chang-ing terrains of Spain, one step at a time. Come learn about this life-changing journey as it winds through Roman roads, mountains, lush vineyards, peaceful farmlands, and vibrant cities. Peek at the glorious cathedrals, majestic castles, intriguing monasteries, tiny abandoned villages, and hamlets dotting the path. Learn about the walkers throughout history, saints, sinners, kings & queens, Knights of the Templar, Hollywood stars, gypsies & thieves, and perhaps your next-door neighbor! We will uncover how to navi-gate the routes, accommodations, backpacking, travel tips, and resources for further discovery. The Camino de Santiago welcomes all ages, in all seasons and on various routes, for any reason. Come “walk along” and learn about the wonders and benefits of walking modern pilgrimage.

`Posture Workout Fridays: 10 - 11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 12 Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21 FSU Rec Center Dance Studio Judith Lindstedt

Good posture has a profound effect on how we feel and how we experience the world around us. This workout is designed to reshape and strengthen your entire body and improve your posture. Through a series of sitting and standing barre exercises, you will work through muscle chains by targeting the connecting tissues that surround every muscle. The balance of strength, mobil-ity, and flexibility is key to achieving a strong, toned body. After doing this workout, you can feel a sense of freedom in your body and maybe even a few inches taller. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Thin, flexible rubber-soled shoes, light hand weights (1-2 lbs), water.

10



`Naturally Curious: Nature Walks East of Fitchburg Fridays: 9 - 11:15 AM Enrollment Limit: 16 Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21 Various Outdoor Locations Laurie Nehring SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2+ Hours

Put on your hiking boots and join us for a refreshing morning walk along a forested trail at a different location each week in Ayer, Groton, Lunenburg or Shirley. Together, we will explore new trails with a nature-based theme that will follow the season and sugges-tions made by Mary Holland in her wonderful book “Naturally Curious.” Logistics: All hikes will be moderate level walking with some uneven terrain and may include some elevation. Distances will be about 2-3 miles each week. We will meet at the trailheads each week; locations will be provided to all registrants. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Sturdy walking shoes or boots, dress in layers for the weather (including light rain), hat, gloves, tick prevention cloth-ing or spray. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Camera, binoculars, walking poles, ID books, nature books by David Stokes or Mary Holland’s Naturally Curious.

`Beginning Tai Chi Fridays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 25 Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28; Hammond Hall - S08 Nov. 4; Dec. 2, 9, 16 SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 10 Weeks – $80 Jeff Coté

In this course we will examine the fundamental postures, meth-ods of movement, breathing techniques, and perspectives that comprise the basics of Classical Taijiquan (commonly called Tai Chi). Our focus will be on simple one step practices that are the building blocks of the simplest, most basic form of the Wuxing De Long Pai Tai Chi system, called the Short Mirror Form. This form consists of 8 basic movement sequences done to each side of the body. It is recommended that the student repeat this course until all 8 sequences and their requirements and methods of move-ment are assimilated and integrated into a seamless whole. When that is accomplished it is recommended that the student progress to Intermediate Tai Chi. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Loose comfort-able clothing suitable for active movement. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Tai Chi Classics (book).

`Holiday Floral Designs Fridays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21 CPS Classroom Gail Allo

Learn to make fresh flower arrangements for different special occa-sions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Sharp cutting implement. MATERIALS FEE: $60.00 for flowers and containers.

`How Art Reveals Nature Saturdays: 10 - 11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 20 Sept. 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22; Hybrid: Outdoor Locations Nov. 12, 19; Dec. 3, 10, 17 & Online Jessica Robey SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 10 Week Course – $80 & Will Close

This ten-week, team-taught course explores our relationship with nature through art. It combines a historical study of nature-fo-cused artworks with a hands-on engagement with the natural world through nature journaling. Classes will alternate between online and outdoor meetings. Outdoor meetings will be primarily on lands managed by the North County Land Trust, and we will also learn more about their conservation mission. The act of representing nature is somewhat of a paradox. An image of nature is at the same time an image of the culture that produced it, imbued with human emotion and shaped by its soci-ety’s notions of beauty. As we explore a global range of artworks in this course, from prehistory to the present day, we will consider how these works express and define our relationship with nature. How does this relationship change over time or across cultures? Are we a part of nature, or in conflict with it? How are “art” and “nature” defined in relation to one another? Does the artwork draw a line between the two, or seek to erase that line? How does this type of art define us as humans? You will explore how these questions relate to your own life as you deepen your connection to, understanding of, and curiosity about the natural world through the time-tested practice of nature jour-naling. Through in-person field study, group discussions, demos and one-on-one coaching, you will learn to use pictures, words, numerical data and more to strengthen your observational skills, deepen your awareness, and walk away with a renewed apprecia-tion and curiosity for the world around you. All levels of experience are welcome! REQUIRED MATERIALS: Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencil, Non-Photo Blue; 1-3 Black Prismacolor pencils (avoid graphite since it smudges); Basic Prismacolor pencil set (at least a sky blue, green, red, yellow, brown—you can mix just about anything from those); Eraser (any type will do); Small pencil sharp-ener; Hardbound sketchbook 8.5” x 5.5” (great travel size) or 11” x 8.5”. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Basic watercolor paint set with watercolor paper, brushes, paper towels, & water container; binoculars; magnifying glass/loupe; small ruler; small specimen containers, plastic bags, and/or glassine envelopes; Thin masking tape; camp stool or folding chair; backpack; sturdy, water-resistant shoes; and sun hat.

ALFA classes are FREE for those who are 90 or above. Please email the ALFA office so that we can get you registered free of charge! [email protected]

Are you

90 or over?

11



- -

SE

SS

ION

2:

No

vem

be

r–

De

cem

be

r2

02

2

SESSION 2 | AT A GLANCE

SE

SS

ION

2:

No

vem

be

r –

De

cem

be

r 2

02

2

Tim

es

9:00

– 9

:30

AM

9:30

–10

:00

AM

Mon

day

Nov

. 7, 1

4, 2

1, 2

8;De

c. 5

Tues

day

Nov

. 8, 1

5, 2

2,29

; Dec

. 6

Wed

nesd

ayN

ov. 9

, 16,

30;

Dec.

7, 1

4

Thur

sday

Nov

. 10,

17;

Dec.

1, 8

, 15

Frid

ayN

ov. 4

, 18;

Dec.

2, 9

, 16

Satu

rday

Nov

. 12,

19;

Dec.

3, 1

0, 1

7

Qui

lting

with

aPu

rpos

eEm

ilyFi

ne &

Li

nda

Kenn

edy

CPS

Nat

ural

lyCu

rious

:W

eekl

yTh

emed

Nat

ure

Wal

ksEa

st o

fFi

tchb

urg

Laur

ie

Neh

ring

OU

TSID

E

Mus

lims

In A

mer

ica:

Relo

catio

nan

d He

ritag

eJo

yce

Ayad

iHi

nckl

ey &

Veda

Ros

sO

NLI

NE

Span

ish

Conv

ersa

tion:

Mys

tery

in

Mad

ridPa

ula

Luria

(Con

tinue

d)

Redu

ce

Pain

and

Impr

ove

Post

ure

with

Yog

aAn

n-m

arie

LaBo

llita

(Con

tinue

d)

Your

Dig

ital

Phot

ogra

phs:

Decl

utte

ring

& O

rgan

izin

gBa

rbar

a Fr

iedm

anO

NLI

NE

10:0

0 –

10:3

0 AM

Ba

rre

Stre

tch

and

Tone

Judi

th

Lind

sted

tDA

NCE

STU

DIO

Wal

k Ab

out

Sally

Hens

OU

TSID

E

Post

ure

Wor

kout

Judi

th

Lind

sted

tDA

NCE

STU

DIO

How

Art

Reve

als N

atur

eJe

ssic

a Ro

bey

& W

ill C

lose

(Con

tinue

d)

10:3

0 –

11:0

0 AM

Be

yond

the

Shak

ing

Leaf

:G

enea

logy

for E

very

one

Sara

Cam

pbel

lCP

S

ALFA

Sal

on:

Cont

inui

ng th

eCo

nver

satio

nM

arth

a Cr

awfo

rd(C

ontin

ued)

How

Whi

teSu

prem

acy

Erod

es th

eAm

eric

anId

eals

it Cl

aim

sto

Lov

eBe

n Ra

ilton

CPS

OR

ON

LIN

E

11:0

0 –

11:3

0 AM

11:3

0 AM

–

12 P

M

12:2

0 –

1:50

PM

Neu

rogr

aphi

ca A

rtN

ancy

Fill

ipCP

S

Anci

ent L

ore

for M

oder

n Ti

mes

Sally

Cra

gin

(Con

tinue

d)

Fam

ily T

ree

Brea

kthr

ough

s:Ta

king

the

Nex

t Ste

pSa

ra C

ampb

ell

CPS

Fitc

hbur

g:Th

e G

olde

n Ye

ars 1

875-

1920

Jane

Joyc

eO

NLI

NE

Begi

nnin

g Ta

i Chi

Jeff

Coté

(Con

tinue

d)

2:30

– 4

:00

PM

4:00

– 4

:30

PM

Art f

rom

Intu

ition

Anne

Gi

lman

ON

LIN

E

Beyo

nd B

asic

Gel

Pla

te P

rintin

gAn

n-m

arie

LaB

ollit

a CP

S

The

Fore

st a

nd th

e Tr

ees

Cath

erin

e Hu

nter

ON

LIN

E

Crea

tive

Writ

ing

& M

emoi

r Wor

ksho

pAn

ne G

ilman

ON

LIN

E

12



`Quilting With a Purpose Mondays: 9 - 11 AM Enrollment Limit: 10 Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5 CPS Classroom Emily Fine & Linda Kennedy SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

This course is suitable for quilters of all abilities, especially begin-ners. The purpose is two-fold: to learn basic quilting techniques and to send a welcoming gift to new refugees. We will learn to construct simple quilt blocks. After making enough blocks, we will sew them together creating quilt tops. The finished quilts will be donated to a non-profit group that helps settle refugees in New England. Few things symbolize warmth, safety, security and love as much as a quilt. Learn a wonderful hobby and do something good at the same time! Fabric will be provided by the instructor. REQUIRED MATERIALS: basic sewing machine, white or beige cotton sewing thread, rotary cutter with 45 mm blades, rotary cutting mat approximately 18” x 24”, pins, quilting ruler at least 12” long, scissors.

`Muslims In America: Relocation and Heritage Mondays: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 20 Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5 Online Joyce Ayadi Hinckley & Veda Ross SPEC. SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

An exploration and discussion of two eras of Muslim history in America. Enslaved and Free- 1492-1887: where Muslims came from and where in America they went. How they survived and thrived with a focus on their unknown or unacknowledged contri-butions. The Three Great Waves-1880-present. When Muslims came from the Ottoman Empire, The Middle East and Beyond, why they came and where they settled with a focus on New England.

`Barre Stretch & Tone Mondays: 10 -11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 12 Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5 FSU Rec Center Dance Studio Judith Lindstedt

This medium pace workout is composed of chair sitting and barre standing exercises to increase full-body mobility and strength. This class is for people who are starting to exercise after a long sedentary period, recovering from injuries, or suffer from chronic conditions. The barre work allows your spine, hips, quads, and hamstrings to stretch and strengthen. The combination of sitting and standing exercises will tone arms, hips, thighs, and waist leaving you feeling lengthened, strengthened, and energized. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Flexible, rubber thin-sole shoes; Light hand weights (1-2 lbs), water.

`Neurographica Art Mondays: 12:20 -1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5 CPS Classroom Nancy Fillip

Neurographica Art is fun, relaxing and designed for any level of artistic ability. Especially beginners. This form of art is a way to capture on paper how your inner world reacts to your outer world. It takes your stress or tension, and through the guidance of your certified teacher, we will convert your art into peace and calmness and beauty. It becomes a meditative form of art. It also increases your neuron activity. We will be working on various textures and sizes of paper, creating artist trading cards, raw canvas, and using different mediums. Neurographica Art is image-based and abstract-based, and you will find your niche as we do both. It’s new, it’s creative and exciting. Instructor will supply all the paper. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Markers (variety of colors), colored pencils (variety of colors), a fine-tip black marker.

`Beyond Basic Gel Plate Printing Mondays: 2:30 - 4 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5 CPS Classroom Ann-marie LaBollita

This course will explore further possibilities in Gel Plate printmak-ing. Participants will create a series of prints with a theme and move on to create a small unified series. Prior experience recom-mended. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Gel Plate, acrylic paints, brayer, foam roller, brushes, various types of paper. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: color pencils, inktense, or other favorite draw-ing material to add to prints. MATERIALS FEE: $10.00 fee to use instructors plates, brayers and paint.

`Art from Intuition Mondays: 2:30 - 4:30 PM Enrollment Limit: 12 Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5 Online Anne Gilman SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

This course aims to help you free up your creativity so that you can engage fully in making art, whether you are a seasoned or new art-maker. Creative intuition is an instinct, a kind of ‘sixth sense’ that helps guide an artist’s work. Everyone has their own natural intuition, which is a key asset in creating art. By letting go of preconceived ideas about art-making and tapping into your unique imagination, you can explore new horizons in your work. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Materials list will be sent to students prior to first class. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Art from Intuition by Dean Nimmer, Painting from the Inside Out by Betsy Dillard Stroud.

13



`Beyond the Shaking Leaf: Genealogy for Everyone Wednesdays: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Enrollment Limit: 20 Nov. 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14 CPS Classroom Sara Campbell

Researching your family tree is a good way to uncover forgotten stories and dig deeper into many periods of history. It becomes personal when we put research in a human perspective. We will explore both on-line and bricks-and-mortar sources, study the various census records, immigration, land deeds, historic maps and other often overlooked records. Skeletons in the closet? Let’s make them dance! Students should have a basic knowledge of computers and internet searching. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Students may bring a personal laptop.

`Family Tree Breakthroughs: Taking the Next Step Wednesdays: 12:20 - 1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 20 Nov. 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14 CPS Classroom Sara Campbell

Take the next step in your genealogical research. Let’s go beyond the basics and make some family tree breakthroughs together. Is it time for you to start blogging? Is DNA testing for you? How can you stay on top of the latest databases that are being released? Is going to a regional or national conference worth the price? We will have time to work on computers every week to advance your research. Students should have experience in researching their family history. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Students may bring a personal laptop.

`The Forest and the Trees Wednesdays: 2:30 - 4 PM Enrollment Limit: 25 Nov. 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14 Online Catherine Hunter

A forest of trees in New England is more than a monochromatic green landscape in spring and summer, more than a riot of color in autumn, more than a blur of browns and grays in winter. A forest is more than what you can see. There is no need for trees to be lost in the proverbial woods. We will examine trees through the lens of science and art history. You will meet artists whose work is used for scientific study and to comment on our relationship with soci-ety and the natural world. One class will feature the life story of Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architec-ture, environmentalist, and a sort of Johnny Appleseed scattering trees across the nation. 2022 is the 200th anniversary of his birth.

`Your Digital Photographs: Decluttering and Organizing Thursdays: 9:30 - 11 AM Enrollment Limit: 15 Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15 Online Barbara Friedman

Photography has become a daily habit for many of us. This class will explore the many places that we have stored our photos in the last twenty years: CDs, Desktop hard drives, iCloud, Google Photos, etc. Students will learn how to easily create digital albums or printed albums to share with family and friends for preserva-tion and gifting. REQUIRED MATERIALS: An internet enabled device is required. Students should have either taken the Google Beyond the Basics class prior to this one or have a good working knowledge of Google. This class requires basic photography skills using a smartphone. Prior to class, students should make a list of where their photos are kept: albums, shoe boxes, CDs, Dropbox, One Drive, iCloud, Google, etc. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Mrs. Geek’s Guide to Google Photos: Your Lifetime of Memories Effortless and Free (2nd edition) or other books by Chris Guld.

`Walk About Thursdays: 10 AM - 12 PM Enrollment Limit: 15 Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15 Various Outdoor Locations Sally Hens SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

This class will meet at a variety of trail heads in Leominster State forest, Sholan Farms, and Sterling. Participants will need to be able to walk 3 to 4 miles at a 2 mile per hour pace. Trails may include roots, rocks, small stream crossings and elevation change. Light rain will not cancel the hike, but it may change the location. Please provide an email address for any changes. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Broken in hiking shoes or boots, water bottle and walking sticks if balance is an issue for participants. Hunting season begins in October. All participants are required to wear orange vest and hats.

`Fitchburg: The Golden Years 1875-1920 Thursdays: 12:20 -1:50 PM Enrollment Limit: 20 Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15 Online Jane Joyce

This course is a short look at the history of Fitchburg in its Golden Years 1875–1920. The focus will be on the factories that built the city and the immigrants who worked in them. We will look into why factories were built in Fitchburg, who built them, when were these factories “booming” and who worked in these factories.

14



`Creative Writing & Memoir Workshop Thursdays: 2:30 - 4:30 PM Enrollment Limit: 10 Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15 Online Anne Gilman SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2 Hours

Every life holds many stories. Whether your life is wildly uncon-ventional or relatively normal, there is bound to be something fascinating about it. That is why the contemporary memoir— everyday people telling their stories—has become such a popular phenomenon. A memoir covers an aspect of a life, a theme, or an adventure. Whether it’s a short piece about, say a bicycle ride with a friend, a book about your entire childhood, a marriage, growing older, spiritual beliefs, etc., you will jumpstart your creativity using short prompts for those stories that you want to focus on. You will discover a supportive group to help unleash and uncover your imaginative genies whether for memoir, fiction, poetry, non-fic-tion and/or essays. As a professional writer/author, the instructor of this course knows the challenges of overcoming blocks and voices that say, “What do you mean you want to write (or paint, or sing, etc.)? Who do you think you are?!” Here’s an opportunity for people who have always wanted to write, to have a support-ive, safe space in which to do so. You must feel safe in order to create. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Pen/pencil and notebook; and/or computer.

`How White Supremacy Erodes the American Ideals It Claims to Love Fridays: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Enrollment Limit: 35 Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16 Hybrid: CPS Classroom Ben Railton & Online Options

In recent years, we’ve seen a renewed presence of white suprema-cist definitions of American identity and ideals, of the United States as a fundamentally white nation. Yet in reality, white supremacist voices and forces consistently undermine and erode our national ideals. In this course we’ll use histories, figures, communities, and texts to trace both that process and how we can challenge it for a handful of such ideals, from liberty, religious freedom, and the right to vote to workers’ rights and family values. PLEASE NOTE: This course will be offered In-Person in our Center for Professional Studies (CPS) Classroom AND online via Zoom. We are piloting technology that allows people to use Zoom to join this course remotely. Please select either in-person or online when registering (not both).

`Posture Workout Fridays: 10 - 11:30 AM Enrollment Limit: 12 Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16 FSU Rec Center Dance Studio Judith Lindstedt

Good posture has a profound effect on how we feel and how we experience the world around us. This workout is designed to reshape and strengthen your entire body and improve your posture. Through a series of sitting and standing barre exercises, you will work through muscle chains by targeting the connecting tissues that surround every muscle. The balance of strength, mobil-ity, and flexibility is key to achieving a strong, toned body. After doing this workout, you can feel a sense of freedom in your body and maybe even a few inches taller. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Thin, flexible rubber-soled shoes, light hand weights (1-2 lbs), water.

`Naturally Curious: Nature Walks East of Fitchburg Fridays: 9 - 11:15 AM Enrollment Limit: 16 Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16 Various Outdoor Locations Laurie Nehring SPECIAL SCHEDULE: 2+ Hours

Put on your hiking boots and join us for a refreshing morning walk along a forested trail at a different location each week in Ayer, Groton, Lunenburg or Shirley. Together, we will explore new trails with a nature-based theme that will follow the season and sugges-tions made by Mary Holland in her wonderful book Naturally Curious. Logistics: All hikes will be moderate level walking with some uneven terrain and may include some elevation. Distances will be about 2-3 miles each week. We will meet at the trailheads each week; locations will be provided to all registrants. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Sturdy walking shoes or boots, dress in layers for the weather (including light rain), hat, gloves, tick prevention cloth-ing or spray. RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Camera, binoculars, walking poles, ID books, nature books by David Stokes or Mary Holland’s Naturally Curious.

Are you

90 or over?


15



SPECIAL COURSES & PROGRAMMING

`ALFA Salon: Continuing the Conversation Wednesdays: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Enrollment Limit: 30 Sep 21, Oct 11 (Tues), Oct 26, ONLINE Nov 9, Nov 30, and Dec 14 FREE - Participant-Led Moderator: Martha Crawford Discussion Group

ALFA Salon is an informal gathering held approximately every-other-week throughout the ALFA sessions. Host presenters lead engaging discussions of a variety of topics and issues. Salon is a collaborative effort—participants may receive pre-reading and video viewing material for some sessions and/or we asked for their suggestions on works-in-progress.

2022 Fall Salon will host both Fitchburg State professors and community guest lecturers covering topics including: • An exploration of the lives of early African people in the Granite

State through a multitude of stories that mark the milestones of its complex history with the Executive Director of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire

• On a special date, Tuesday, Oct. 11, we will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day learning about how a small groups of Paleo Indians endured frigid winters on the edge of a river in what would become Keene, New Hampshire, by looking at evidence from archaeology, written history, and the living traditions of today’s Abenaki people.

• How do digital currencies work? What is Bitcoin - its creation, its uses and what risks are involved in using it as a form of payment or as an investment opportunity? This Presentation is for infor-mation purposes only; it does not constitute investment or other advice or recommendation.

• The idea of terraforming other planets leads to many ethical, biological, and social concerns, in addition to economic and political issues. The question is: even if we can, should we?

• When he died in January 2022, Sidney Poitier was rightfully cele-brated as a pioneering artist and incomparable Black icon. The dignity of his performances is testament to social and political progress, but the limited range of his roles reflects the severe constraints under which he worked and lived.

The following presenters will join us: • Executive Director JerriAnne Boggis

Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire • Dr. Robert R. Goodby, Professor of Anthropology

Franklin Pierce University • Professor Aldo Bianco

Mount Wachusett Community College • Bill Ayadi, Retired Engineer • Dr. Joe Moser, Montpelier, Vermont

If you are interested in any of the topics being covered, sign up. You might be surprised by what you will learn about a topic you have not thought about.

ONLINE / Thursdays: 9:00 - 10:00 AM Every other week starting in October. Cost: FREE / Location: Zoom Host and Facilitator: Art Norman

ALFA Community

Chat

Welcome to ALFA’s newest initiative, ALFA COMMUNITY CHAT. This free, biweekly program is designed simply to promote camaraderie and good conversation. Each session will revolve around an open ended theme in order to generate friendly discussion. Interested in joining the conversations? Join us to meet fellow ALFA participants in a safe and casual environment. You are sure to find opportunities to share, smile, laugh, and reminisce.

Please sign up on our website: fitchburgstate.edu/alfa

Questions? Email Art Norman at [email protected]

16


https://fitchburgstate.edu/alfa

REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 10, 2022 AT 9:00 AM

All courses are $40 a course unless otherwise indicated. We do have a number of $80, 10-Week courses this semester.

WAYS TO REGISTER

ONLINE (PREFERRED): You can register for ALFA courses online by going to marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. • Make sure to complete your registration by hitting the

final SUBMIT button. You will receive a confirmation email immediately following.

• IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, please contact the ALFA office to ensure you are registered.

Need help with online registration? Visit fitchburgstate.edu/alfa for a complete step-by-step tutorial.

BY MAIL: We will continue to accept paper registrations by mail. However, we are strongly encouraging everyone who can to use the online course registration system. • Please complete a seperate registration form for each person

taking classes. DO NOT try to register two or more people on the same form. We will not be able to complete your registration. If you need additional registration forms, please visit our website to download and print one at: www.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa.

• Registrations must be MAILED. No phone-in or hand-delivered registrations will be accepted.

• Any incomplete component may delay the processing of the registration form.

• All registrations are processed in the order in which they are received.

• Please make a copy of the completed registration form for personal records.

Are you

90 or over?

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS • We accept credit/debit cards (PREFERRED) and E-Checks/

ACH Debit payments. Please pay by debit or credit card if you can. It makes both processing and refunding easier for all involved, including you.

• If you choose to pay by E-Check, all check payments (both online and paper) are processed electronically and will appear as “ACH DEBIT” on your checking account statement.

• Refunds are only issued if a course is canceled or when you register by paper and the course is full when we receive your registration.

• For Credit/Debit Payments: Refunds are issued right away and you should see that money back in your account in a few days. If a course is full and you registered by paper, we simply won’t register you for that course and will put you on the waiting list.

• E-Check Payments: If a course is canceled, we will contact you to fill out an I-9 tax form in order to process the refund.

▪ Paper Registrations paid with an E-Check: If a portion of the courses you are registering for are full, we must process the full amount written on the paper check. We will then issue a refund for the amount of the full courses. To be issued a refund, you will be asked to submit an I-9 tax form.

• If you are sending in registration forms for multiple people, please pay by credit/debit or submit a separate check for each person you are registering. If you combine payment for two separate registration in one check, we will not be able to process your payment or registration and will either shred it or return it to you in the mail.

• Payment is due upon submission of registration. • Course, Trip, and Special Event payments are not refundable

or transferable unless canceled.

Please note: Some classes have additional expenses including required materials you will need to purchase prior to the course starting, recommended materials, and sometimes a required materials fee (cash only) that is due to the instructor at the first class. These additional materials and fees are indicated in the course description.


17


www.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa


https://marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa

GENERAL INFORMATION & POLICIES:

ENROLLMENT: Prompt return of forms will facilitate early processing and improve the chances of getting preferred classes. Due to space limitations and instructor requests, class size varies. It is important to list alternatives in the event that your first choices are not available. If no alternatives are listed it will be assumed that none are desired.

CONFIRMATION: If you register online, you will receive an order number when you complete your registration. Please make sure to write down this order number. If you have an order number, you have successfully registered, Congratulations! You should also receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of registering. If you do not remember seeing an order number and you don;t receive a confirmation email, please reach out to the office to make sure your registration was completed successfully. If you register by paper, you will receive a confirmation by email if you provided an email address, or by mail, if you did not.

LOCATION OF COURSES: ALFA classes will be held in-person on-campus in the CPS classroom, in-person in an outdoor location in the surrounding community, or online, unless otherwise noted.

ALFA ONLINE: All of our online courses will be held over Zoom. Please make sure to download the most recent version of Zoom.

Equipment and Tech Requirements: You will need some basic equipment to participate. To fully participate in the video based online classroom, you will need:

• Computer (Laptop or Desktop), Tablet, or Smartphone. • Microphone, Speakers, and webcam. Most laptops, tablets

and smartphones have these features already built in. • If you are using a desktop computer, please make sure you

have all of these elements. • Internet/Wifi access

Please note: You may also participate with a landline phone but you will only be able to hear the audio and will not be able to gain the full benefits of the course.

ALFA IN-PERSON: If you are taking an in-person course, please know that we are adhering to all state and federal guidance around efforts to minimize the spread of Covid-19. At the time of this publication, these are the guidelines that we ask you to follow. Please note that these are subject to change in accordance with campus, state, and federal guidelines. • Vaccination: If you are taking an in-person course through

ALFA, we expect that you are fully vaccinated. We are not currently asking for proof of vaccination.

• Masking: You must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times while on campus in classrooms, labs, and in the library, regardless of your vaccination status. There is not a mask requirement in all other areas of campus. Please note that this may be subject to change quickly and without little warning so please have a mask with you at all times.

• Attestation: Before every class, you will be required to fill out an attestation each week. This attestation form is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of our campus community and visitors. To view the questions on this form in advance, please visit the ALFA website at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa.

ALFA INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: Online courses will NOT be canceled due to inclement weather. In-person courses will be canceled if the University is closed or delayed due to inclement weather.

18


Please complete ONE registration form for EACH person. ALL COURSES ARE $40 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

MAIL-IN REGISTRATION FORM – FALL 2022 STOP SIGN-UP ONLINE

Try our online registration option at: marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa

Courses in BOLD are held IN-PERSON (check description for locations & details) All other courses are online.

Please HIGHLIGHT in color, or CIRCLE the courses below for which you would like to register.

SESSION 1: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER

MONDAY

Fall Birding

Quilting with a Purpose

From the Turban to the Fez: The Ottoman

Empire 1500-1923

Barre Stretch & Tone

A Review of the 2021-22 Supreme

Court Term – FREE

Hiking with Thoreau:Tech. and the Good Life

Botanical Printmakingwith a Gel Plate

Art From Intuition

TUESDAY

SpanishConversation:

Mystery in Madrid(10-weeks | $80)

Artificial Intelligencein Movies

Ancient Lore for Modern Times (10-weeks | $80)

WEDNESDAY

Before & After Emancipation:

An Introduction to Fitchburg

Abolitionist History

Ukulele: Next Steps

Google: Beyond the Basics

Breath-Body-Mind,Life-AlteringExperience

THURSDAY

Reduce Pain and Improve Posture

with Yoga (10-weeks | $80)

Walk About

Poverty and Inequalityin the Developing World

IN-PERSON OPTION

Poverty and Inequality in the Developing World

ONLINE OPTION

Zentangle is for Everyone

Creative Writing & Memoir Workshop

Italian Cafe’– FREE

FRIDAY

Walking ModernPilgrimage: El Camino

de Santiago

Posture Workout

Naturally Curious:Nature Walks East

of Fitchburg

Beginning Tai Chi(10-weeks | $80)

HolidayFloral Designs

SATURDAY

How Art Reveals Nature (10-weeks | $80)

SESSION 2: NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

MONDAY

QuiltingWith a Purpose

Muslims In America: Relocation and Heritage

Barre Stretch & Tone

Neurographica Art

Beyond BasicGel Plate Printing

Art From Intuition

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Beyond theShaking Leaf:

Genealogyfor Everyone

Family TreeBreakthroughs:

Taking the Next Step

The Forest and the Trees

THURSDAY

Decluttering and Organizing Your

Digital Photographs

Walk About

Fitchburg: The Golden Years 1875-1920

Creative Writing & Memoir Workshop

FRIDAY

Posture Workout

How White SupremacyErodes the American

Ideals It Claims to Love IN-PERSON OPTION

How White Supremacy Erodes the American

Ideals It Claims to Love ONLINE OPTION

Naturally Curious:Nature Walks

East of Fitchburg

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

ALFA SALON: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

FREE Participant-Led Discussion Group | ONLINE Wednesdays: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Sep 21, Oct 11 (Tues), Oct 26, Nov 9, Nov 30, and Dec 14

20PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR PAYMENT INFORMATION

______

REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 10, 2022 — PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE, if possible!

All paper registration forms and payment must be MAILED to: ALFA Office, Fitchburg State University, 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Name: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________________ State: __________________ Zip Code: __________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________

Have you taken ALFA classes before? Yes No Are you an Alum of Fitchburg State? Yes No

How do you get your ALFA Brochure? Mail Email Website I pick it up at :_______________ Other: _______________

How did hear about ALFA? _______________________________________________________________________________________

ALTERNATE CHOICES — Due to space limitations and instructor requests, class size varies. It is important to list alternatives in the event your first choice classes are unavailable. If no alternatives are listed, it will be assumed that none are desired.

1. ________________________________ 2. _________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

Want to know instantly if you got into a course? Register online at: marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa

I AM SENDING PAYMENT FOR:

______ Course(s) @ $40/course*

(*All courses unless otherwise indicated, example: FREE, 10-week courses, etc.) = $ ________________

______ 10-Week Course(s) @ $80/course = $ ________________

Discussion Group - ALFA Salon: Continuing the Conversation = FREE

A Review of the 2021-2022 Supreme Court Term = FREE

Italian Café = FREE

PAYMENT INFORMATION: TOTAL = $ _______________

CREDIT CARD (PREFERRED): MasterCard Visa Discover

Credit Card #: __________________________________________________

Exp. Date: ______________________________________ CVC (3 digit code): ___________________

Signature: _____________________________________________________

ACH DEBIT (use a check made payable to Fitchburg State) amount enclosed: $__________________ Please note that we DO NOT deposit paper checks. We use your account and routing number to debit the charge from your account. It will show up as an ACH debit on your statement. Please see “Payment Instructions” on what we do if the amount on your check does not match the order total (for example: A class is full, etc.). Please note that if you need a refund using this option, you will be asked to fill out an I-9 which asks for your social security number. We HIGHLY recommend paying by credit or debit card above.

Shirley Pick Scholarship Program (contact the ALFA Office for details: [email protected] or 978-665-3706)

Courses are free for members over 90 years of age. If over 90, please send verification of age with your registration.

Students may initially register for up to six classes. After August 11, 2022, students may select additional courses if seats are still available. 21


https://marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa

REGISTER ONLINE AT: marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/ALFA

https://marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/ALFA

Fall ALFA Brochure - Fitchburg State University

Documents

Transcript of Fall ALFA Brochure - Fitchburg State University