Learn why the rebuilding of Afghanistan has remained at the forefront of the international community for over sixteen years from someone who has been there. An expert in his field, Dr. Sam Striker spent eight years, on and off, working in Afghanistan as a social scientist, acting as a bridge between military, government and tribal forces. Hear how the need to understand the socio-cultural landscape of this enigmatic country is paramount to the measurement of success. This lecture and slideshow will reveal the demographics of the country and explore the role of tribalism in today’s efforts to secure the country, as well as the high impact decisions, both good and bad, and their lasting effects on the nation. Maximum 30 participants. Enroll by July 5.

In June we will discuss “Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind,” by Yuval Harari. “From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” Come join the group and participate in future book selections. Facilitator: Richard Moe

We’ll begin with The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. One reviewer wrote that it: “is a brief tale about sex, love, reading, and shame in postwar Germany. What does it mean to love those people--parents, grandparents, even lovers--who committed the worst atrocities the world has ever known? And is any atonement possible through literature?” We will also read and discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. We will read approximately 60 pages a week over approximately 8 weeks. After the reading and discussion of the final chapters of each book (and with a bit of lunch!), we will then view and discuss the films made of each book. Co-Facilitators: Diane O’Donnell and Gary Stollak

We will begin “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood on June 28 and will conclude on August 2nd. We will follow past practices of reading aloud from the book at the first session and conclude with watching the movie at the final session. Facilitator: Jim Coty

Learn the basics of oil painting with instructor, Rosemary Shellberg. You will learn shading and highlighting and will produce a realistic painting on a place mat; something beautiful and functional! No drawing experience necessary. Pay a $10 supply fee to your instructor on the first day of class. Maximum 10 participants. Enroll by Jun. 14.

View public hearing notice (PDF).

Cut melons are the subject and the treat after class! All supplies included. Maximum 12 participants. Enroll by July 7.

Have fun layering different types and colors of glass to make a full fused one-of-a-kind, solid pendant. Learn to use cord to create a channel for hanging or use a bail. Pieces will be fired after class and picked up at a later date. Instructor, Lana Schaeffer, Maximum 8. Enroll by July 3.

In June we will discuss “Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind,” by Yuval Harari. “From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” Come join the group and participate in future book selections. Facilitator: Richard Moe

We’ll begin with The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. One reviewer wrote that it: “is a brief tale about sex, love, reading, and shame in postwar Germany. What does it mean to love those people--parents, grandparents, even lovers--who committed the worst atrocities the world has ever known? And is any atonement possible through literature?” We will also read and discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. We will read approximately 60 pages a week over approximately 8 weeks. After the reading and discussion of the final chapters of each book (and with a bit of lunch!), we will then view and discuss the films made of each book. Co-Facilitators: Diane O’Donnell and Gary Stollak

We will begin “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood on June 28 and will conclude on August 2nd. We will follow past practices of reading aloud from the book at the first session and conclude with watching the movie at the final session. Facilitator: Jim Coty

From chip-carving to creating one-of-a-kind figurines and relief images, instructor Fred Erbisch will keep you challenged and entertained while crafting heirloom items to keep or give as gifts. Summer sessions will include the following: Session I: Birthday Surprise--Cupcake in the Round, Session II: Free Form Chip Carving. All skill levels welcome and all tools and materials will be provided. You’ll be amazed at what you can create! Please enroll no later than the Friday before each session begins.

In June we will discuss “Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind,” by Yuval Harari. “From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” Come join the group and participate in future book selections. Facilitator: Richard Moe

We’ll begin with The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. One reviewer wrote that it: “is a brief tale about sex, love, reading, and shame in postwar Germany. What does it mean to love those people--parents, grandparents, even lovers--who committed the worst atrocities the world has ever known? And is any atonement possible through literature?” We will also read and discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. We will read approximately 60 pages a week over approximately 8 weeks. After the reading and discussion of the final chapters of each book (and with a bit of lunch!), we will then view and discuss the films made of each book. Co-Facilitators: Diane O’Donnell and Gary Stollak

We will begin “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood on June 28 and will conclude on August 2nd. We will follow past practices of reading aloud from the book at the first session and conclude with watching the movie at the final session. Facilitator: Jim Coty

Learn the basics of oil painting with instructor, Rosemary Shellberg. You will learn shading and highlighting and will produce a realistic painting on a place mat; something beautiful and functional! No drawing experience necessary. Pay a $10 supply fee to your instructor on the first day of class. Maximum 10 participants. Enroll by Jun. 14.

From chip-carving to creating one-of-a-kind figurines and relief images, instructor Fred Erbisch will keep you challenged and entertained while crafting heirloom items to keep or give as gifts. Summer sessions will include the following: Session I: Birthday Surprise--Cupcake in the Round, Session II: Free Form Chip Carving. All skill levels welcome and all tools and materials will be provided. You’ll be amazed at what you can create! Please enroll no later than the Friday before each session begins.

The Lansing area offers several transportation options for seniors and others who may have limited or no access to a car. Join us as we explore several of them, including ride sharing services like Uber, Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) and Spec-Tran, Prime Time’s Gold Card Taxi Discount, Michigan Flyer and others. Representatives of several of the services will be on-hand to answer questions. Enroll by July 20. Maximum 30 participants.

Cut melons are the subject and the treat after class! All supplies included. Maximum 12 participants. Enroll by July 7.