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Conway

Advice from the Ancients: Consulting the I Ching
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 12
1 Saturday: 3/24 10:00 AM-Noon
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Non-member Fee: $30

One of the sacred books of the East, the I Ching (Book of Changes) has long been a guide for those seeking advice. Confucius said his one regret in life was that he could not completely devote himself to its study. Learn to consult this ancient oracle and begin to access what Carl Jung called our "collective and individual unconscious." It is suggested that you acquire the text we will be using: "The I Ching," Wilhelm/Baynes translation, ISBN 978-0691097503.
A world art historian and feng shui geomancer for over 4 decades, Kathleen Kimball's coast-to-coast practice includes private individuals and businesses. Her teaching venues have included Maine College of Art, UNH and the University of Arizona.

 

Beginner Zumba
Class Size: Min: 12 Max: 24
6 Wednesdays: 3/21-4/25 3:00-4:00 PM
Curves, 1857 White Mtn. Highway, North Conway
Member Class Fee: $35 Open to members only.

Join the Zumba craze! A certified Zumba instructor will break down the rhythms and share the basics so you can burn calories, build muscle and have a blast with this addictively fun exercise program.
Tracy Strout is the owner of Curves of North Conway. She is trained in fitness and nutrition by the Cleveland Clinic and is a certified Zumba Instructor specializing in the Curves Circuit with Zumba Fitness class.

 

Best Contemporary American Short Stories
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 15
3 Tuesdays: 3/13-3/27 10:00-11:30 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $20 Open to members only.

Often we overlook the joy of the short narrative. We will look at what makes the short story form appealing and examine its place in the literary landscape. Required text: "The Best American Short Stories 2011," edited by Brooks/Pitlor, ISBN 978-0547242163. Read "Housewifely Arts" and a selection of your choosing prior to the first class meeting. Expect to read at least two short stories for each class.
Julia King is a lifelong lover of "interesting" American literature. She has taught various English courses at White Mountain Community College.

 

Cheese Making and More at the Remick Farm
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 20
1 Wednesday: 5/23 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth
Member Class Fee: $20 incl. admission Open to members only.

At the Remick Museum, explore different aspects of local New Hampshire history and agriculture through hands-on experience. Learn the history of dairying at Dr. Remick's Hillsdale Farm and then try a few historic dairying skills by making simple cheeses and butter, with samples to taste of course.
The Remick Country Doctor Farm and Museum was founded to educate the public and preserve the legacy of agricultural history in rural New Hampshire. The museum's staff of trained educators regulary bring history to life through hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.

 

Computer Basics: From the Beginning
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 17
1 Thursday: 4/5 1:00-2:30 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.

Do you feel the need to start again and learn the practical basics of the computer? Join us as we learn about copying and pasting, filing, emails, browsing the internet and more. No experience needed. Bring your questions and get them answered. This class is intended for the true beginner.
Chris Smullen has been a favorite Conway OLLI teacher and has been requested back every year. He has extensive knowledge in all aspects of technology. Chris works at Computer Port.

 

Crawford Notch History Hike
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 20
1 Friday: 6/1 9:00 AM-12:30 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Non-member Fee: $30

Our tour will begin at the top of the Notch with the amusing story of how the Notch was discovered, then descend to the site of the Willey Slide and learn the tragic story that sparked tourism in the White Mountains (quick stop at gift shop and bathrooms). Next, walk to Nancy's grave and learn her tragic love story. Bring your camera. Back in North Conway we will stop at the hidden graveyard where the Willey family is buried. Participants will carpool from Granite State College-Conway. It can be ten degrees cooler in the Notch than in the valley, so please dress for the weather in layers. Bring extra clothing plus warm hat and gloves. Limit 5 cars. Participants must sign a waiver.
As a teacher-naturalist with Tin Mountain Conservation Center, Carol Foord teaches in the Mount Washington Valley public schools. An avid researcher, Carol is the author of several books on local history. She is currently working on a book about the "lost houses" of Shawtown in Freedom, NH.

 

Deficit & Debt: A Review of the Federal Budget and the National Debt
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 24
1 Monday: 4/2 9:30-11:30 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Non-member Fee: $30

Our budget deficit and national debt have been topics of intense interest in Washington and on the campaign trail. This politically neutral course will review the current federal budget, analyze the components of revenues and expenditures and evaluate efforts to achieve fiscal balance. Discussion will include the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson/Bowles) 2010, and the United States Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Super Committee) 2011. This course, aimed at thoughtful but not financially oriented citizens, will provide a framework to evaluate the current fiscal debate with the facts!
Hersh Sosnoff is a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania and a Certified Public Accountant. He has assembled the course materials from diverse sources such as the reports of the deficit reduction committees; Department of Commerce; US Treasury, Bureau of Public Debt; US Government Printing Office; and Social Security Administration.

 

Feng Shui: Harmonizing Time and Space
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 12
1 Saturday: 3/24 1:30-3:30 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $15 incl. supplies Non-member Fee: $30

For thousands of years the Chinese have enjoyed feng shui, a system that augments health, wealth and good fortune. Which compass points and times are best for different goals? Which house lot is better and why? What are YOUR personal energy power points, hours, days, seasons and years? Create your own energy map and see how it works in relationship to other people. Whether you are staying where you are or wish to move, you'll find help in the ancient art of feng shui (golden age school) a valuable resource.
See Advice from the Ancients: Consulting the I Ching for bio of Kathleen Kimball.

 

Financial Planning: A Comprehensive Approach
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 24
7 Tuesdays: 4/3-5/15 9:30-11:00 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $50 incl. supplies Open to members only.

Develop a basic understanding of creating a comprehensive financial plan. Topics include the current state of the economy, safe harbor investing, navigating Social Security, and 5 essential legal documents. We will also investigate tax planning, IRAs, Veterans' benefits and the insurance quandary. You will go home knowing how to develop your own lifetime financial plan.
Anthony Cloutier is the owner of the Cloutier Group's Estate & Financial Strategies. He is a Registered Investment Advisor specializing in comprehensive financial planning for individuals. He has taught this course several times to great reviews.

 

Great Decisions 2012
Class Size: Min: 6 Max: 15
6 Tuesdays: 3/20-4/24 1:00-2:30 PM
Conway Public Library, 15 E. Main Street, Conway
Member Class Fee: $60 (includes book) Open to members only.

See description Great Decisions 2012 at the Concord site.
Tara Thomas is the Director of the Conway Public Library. She holds an AB degree from Barnard College and a MS in Library and Information Science from Drexel University. This will be the third time she has presented this course and has had great reviews.

 

In the Kitchen: Beginnings, Middles and Endings
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 10
2 Mondays and 2 Thursdays: 3/12, 3/15, 3/19, 3/22
5:30-8:00 PM
Sandy Thoms's house, 48 Youngs Road, Eaton
Member Class Fee: $70 (includes supplies) Open to members only.

Join us as we cook and bake complete meals from appetizers, soups, salads (beginnings) to entrees (middles) to desserts (endings). Part demonstration, part hands-on preparations, and of course sampling, we will explore new recipes and novel ideas for every day meals as well as entertaining. Participants must sign a waiver.
Barbara Holmes has been baking as long as she can remember, having been reared by a mom who baked for a family of 6 in addition to entertaining often. She and her husband owned a B&B which required cooking and baking for a crowd. Thirty years of experience has taught Sandy Thoms to never be bored by cooking. Coming up with meals on a moment's notice has allowed her to be both creative and spontaneous in the kitchen.

 

Layered Art
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 10
2 Wednesdays: 4/18-4/25 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $25 incl. canvas Open to members only.

Layered art is a wonderful way to create a lovely piece without any formal artistic training. Canvas board or a flat board is used to mount special papers, fabric, beads, tissue paper, photos, parts of greeting cards, etc. The choices are endless. Many hobbies, interests, emotions or your passion can be expressed in this fun process. Discover how creative you really are. A list of materials that students should bring to class will be provided prior to the session.
Merle Sciacca, an award winning artist, has been painting for over 30 years. She enjoys layered art as a relaxed, fun way to produce a piece after working in more detailed, precise methods.

 

Lighthouses Light Up My Life
Class Size: Min: 10 Max: 24
4 Tuesdays: 5/15-6/5 1:00-2:30 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $25 Open to members only.

Learn about the evolution of lighthouses and their lights, from ancient Greece to the 21st century. Enjoy the history and lore of some of New England's most famous lighthouses.
Natalie J. Peterson holds degrees from URI (BA), Boston University (M.Ed), and has completed all but defense-of-dissertation for her PhD from Kent State University. She is a retired teacher, a photographer and a frequent speaker on lighthouses.

 

Mah Jongg for Beginners
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 8
4 Fridays: 4/13-5/4 9:30-11:00 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $35 incl. supplies Non-member Fee: $55

Mah Jongg, a game of fortune coupled with skill is played by four players with 152 tiles divided into four groupings. The game originated in China and dates back about 200 years. It was said that Mah Jongg was the imperial clan game in ancient China. It is a stimulating mental activity, which we all need as we get older. After a brief history of the game, class time will be hands-on instruction.
Carol is a retired special education teacher from Long Island, NY. She began playing the game 8 years ago and after two or three practice sessions, fell in love with it. She wants to teach others so she can find new friends with whom to play.

 

Making Paste Paper
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 12
1 Thursday and 1 Friday: 4/19-4/20 1:00-3:00 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $20 incl. supplies Open to members only.

Making paste paper is like finger painting for adults, easy and satisfying, and artistic for the reluctant or beginning artist. Learn the various ways in which to use your created paste paper. Samples of how to use paste paper in various easy and fun projects will be shown. Participants will take home a project of their own making. Wear old clothes, bring drawing paper (if you have it) and a snack if you like.
Jay Rancourt has lived in Madison since 1976. An artist who explores many media, she has taught classes in silk painting, book arts and various crafts. She is the library director at Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth.

 

Needle Felting
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 10
1 Wednesday: 3/21 9:30-11:30 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $15 (includes supplies) Open to members only.

Discover the relaxing and fun art of needle felting. Learn how to make a springtime robin's nest complete with bright blue eggs or a pansy pin to wear on your finest spring bonnet! Roving and needles will be available to use and you will take home your completed project. Great for beginners or the fiber aficionado looking for a new craft.
Karen Sulewski, Executive Director of the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, has been a fiber artist for 30 years. She has a background in graphic design and loves to inspire and teach others sewing and the arts.

 

Old Man of the Mountain: Its Geologic Story
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 24
1 Wednesday: 4/4 10:30 AM-Noon
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.

In May 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed into Franconia Notch, ending a nearly 200-year relationship between the people of New England and the Profile, a relationship that was very personal for many. Fowler, the engineering geologist and mountaineer who supervised more than 25 years of stability studies on the Profile, will present a uniquely illustrated "remembrance" that describes the Profile's formation, the structure and mechanisms of its delicate stability and collapse and some of the attempts that were made to save it.
Brian Fowler is a retired engineering geologist from the mining and heavy construction industries. He sits on the board of The Old Man of The Mountain Legacy Fund.

 

Organic Pest Control: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 15
1 Wednesday: 4/11 9:30-11:00 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Open to members only.

Got bugs? You're not alone. Many insects you find in your garden and yard are very helpful but some are just plain pests. Learn to identify the difference, take advantage of your environment for pest control and get on more friendly terms with the bugs you want to keep around.
Jackie has been a "seat-of-my-pants" gardener for 30 years. She became a master gardener in 2006. Most of what she knows and shares comes from her years of experience in her own garden.

 

Roosevelt Funeral Train
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 25
1 Thursday: 3/15 9:30-11:30 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $10 Non-member Fee: $30

The sudden death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in April 1945 began an unprecedented series of events centered around his funeral train. Hear the stories of deception, cover up, betrayal, the nation in mourning, and more, all in 4 days of history!
Carl Lindblade began his career at the Balsams In Dixville Notch NH. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at UNH. An avid student of New Hampshire history, he presents numerous topics through the UNH Speakers Bureau.

 

Socrates Café: A Fresh Taste to Philosophy
Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 12
3 Mondays: 4/ 9-4/23 9:30-11:00 AM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $20 Open to members only.

Back by popular demand! Socrates asked, "Is the unexplained life worth living?" The Socrates Café will consist of thoughtful discussions of what we value and ultimately, who we are. No books or preparation are necessary. Come (with coffee, if you like) to an on-going inquiry and reflection on philosophical subjects of interest to all lifelong learners.
George Epstein co-founded and is now chairman of The Echo Group, a software firm developing products and services for behavioral health and social service agencies. George currently serves as a member of the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees.

 


Spotting Solar Maximum Time

Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 24
2 Thursdays: 5/17-5/24 1:00-3:00 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $15 Open to members only.

Become a daytime astronomer! Take a look at our "Day Star," the sun, using very special solar telescopes. After years of relative inactivity, the sun is approaching "Solar Maximum", the busy season for sun spots and solar flares. See the surface of the sun as a roiling, active place, with numerous features. Discussion to include the internal parts of the sun, why solar weather matters to us and what telescope to buy and how to use it for astronomy. Do you have a telescope collecting dust? Bring it along. Be the first on your block to see the Sun, up close, and safely!
Marc Stowbridge is a member of the NH Astronomical Society and started the internationally successful science educational outreach program, the "Library Telescope Project." He owns and uses 3 solar telescopes (and still has good vision).

 


Welcome 2012 - Year of the Dragon

Class Size: Min: 8 Max: 12
1 Saturday: 3/24 12:30-1:30 PM
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Conway
Member Class Fee: $15 incl. supplies Non-member Fee: $30

Make your chinese new year card and learn about the year 2012 and the dragons in your life. Bring scissors and glue stick.
See Advice from the Ancients: Consulting The I Ching for the bio of Kathleen Kimball.