Classes, Courses, and Lectures
Spring 2019 Catalog of Courses
Monday
International Folk Dancing*
Folk dancing is not only great exercise, but also involves the memory and increases cognitive agility. Most dances will be circle or line dances, so partners are not necessary.
*Pre-registration is required.
Instructor: Elaine Sohn
Dates: February 4–April 29 (except February 18 and April 22)
Time: 9:15–10:45 a.m.
The Short Story: Here and There
The art form of the short story offers a unique opportunity to explore how fiction can reflect and/or imitate life. Participants help choose stories that stimulate discussion and thought.
Instructor: Rotating facilitators
Dates: February 4–April 29 (except February 18 and April 22)
Time: 10:50–11:50 a.m.
Actor's Workshop
This is your opportunity to tap into your creative side and explore your hidden talents...but most all to have fun! Come join us. Please be aware that this class runs September through May, leading up to a final performance.
Instructors: Julie Kirshner and Sunny Brandler
Dates: February 4–April 29 (except February 18 and April 22)
Time: Noon–3 p.m.
Slide Show and Lecture: Travel Photography
Enjoy a variety of my favorite photojournalistic images taken is Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Presenter: Professor Kenneth Axen
Date: April 1
Time: Noon–1:15 p.m.
Short Films
Enjoy a number of short documentaries and artistic films shot in New York, Mongolia, and Turkey.
Presenter: Professor Kenneth Axen
Date: April 15
Time: Noon–1:15 p.m.
Special Lecture: Powerful Moments in Sports
Based on a work-in-progress book on sports history.
Presenter: Professor Joseph Dorinson
Date: April 8
Time: 12:30–2 p.m.
Special Event: Theater Art Performance
Producer/Director: Julie Kirshner and Sunny Brandler
Date: May 6
Time: 1–3 p.m.
Tuesday
BLL Book Club*
We will discuss An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones; The Noise of Time, by Julian Barnes; Educated, by Tara Westover; Warlight, by Michael Ondaatje; and Asymmetry, by Lisa Halliday.
*Pre-registration is required. Classes are limited.
Dates: February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7 and June 4
Time: 10–11:45 a.m.
Yoga, Pilate, and Body Movement Awareness
This course will consist of a series of postures and breathing exercises combined with relaxation techniques and exercises.
Instructor: Cynthia Arenson
Dates: February 5–April 30 (except February 12 and April 23)
Time: Noon–1:20 p.m.
Herman Melville's Moby Dick or The Whale
This classic remains as rich as life itself and as deep as the oceans. We well explore this challenging work as fully as possible beginning in the first class, with "Etymology," "Extracts," and the first few chapters. Students, however, would be wise to read ahead. Bon voyage!
Instructor: Brian Keener
Dates: February 26, March 12, 26, April 9 and 30
Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
Spanish for Beginner (Level 1)
This course is based on a functional focus with special emphasis on oral communication and practical uses of the language. Students will learn about culture and useful, familiar, and everday expressions; basic grammar; and vocabulary and phrases aimed to interact and survive in a Spanish-speaking context.
Instructor: Nilita Leon
Dates: February 19–April 30 (except February 12 and April 23)
Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
Painting: Acrylics 101
Comprehensive foundations in painting, You will learn to use of color and basic visual components.
Instructor: Susan Tischler
Dates: February 5–March 12
Time: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Current Events Discussion Group
"May you live in interesting times" is a Chinese curse. This discussion group will consider the currents of a new administration and developments abroad. Tell us what you think.
Instructor: Morty Marshack
Dates: February 5, 19, March 19, April 2 and 16
Time: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Civilizations, With Kenneth Clark
The history of Western Civilization from the Dark Ages to the 20th century through art and architecture, with sections on drama, literature, music, philosophy, and socio-political movements.
Instructor: David Krupp
Dates: February 26, March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 and 30
Time: 2:15–3:30 p.m.
Special Lectures
"Medical Marijuana for Seniors"
We will discuss the scientific research, how to obtain it legally in New York, and the pending legislation.
Presenter: Katya Sverdlow
Date: March 5
Time: 12:30–2 p.m.
Wednesday
Spanish: Intermediate and Beyond
We invite any student who has a reasonable background in Spanish study. We read, converse, listen, and write in order to achieve the goal of mastering the language.
Instructor: Edward Drayton
Dates: February 6–May 1 (except April 24)
Time: 9:45–11 a.m.
Reading the New York Science Times
Great things are happening in the world of science today. Read and bring the Tuesday New York Times Science Section to class for our informative discussions about the latest breakthroughs.
Instructor: Professor Leslie Jacobson
Dates: February 6–May 1 (except April 24)
Time: 11 a.m.–Noon
"Movie Memories and Hollywood Humor"
Famous movie dialogue, anecdotes, jokes, biographies, Oscar winners and losers.
Instructor: Leo Gerber
Dates: February 13, 27, March 13, 27 and April 10
Time: 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue and Arthritis without Drugs
Do you know why people with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) must AVOID sugar and how this condition leads to anxiety and even panic attacks? We will deal with the most common causes of biochemical imbalances and how to achieve health
Instructor:Joel Levitt
Dates: February 6 and 20, March 6 and 20
Time: 12:30-2 p.m.
Special Lectures
"Consumer Protection-Don't get Scammed"
Learn how to protect yourself from various scams and frauds
Presenter: Marianne Gennari and Dennis Hochbaum
Date: April 17
Time: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
"Maximizing Financial Resources for Seniors"
Learn how to manage your finances with confidence by learning how to access the resources available in NYC and NYS
Presenter: Marianne Gennari and Dennis Hochbaum
Date: May 1
Time: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
"Points aren't Apples: Exploring the Mysteries of Infinity"
Where does infinity come from? How big is Infinity? Are there big and little infinities?
Presenter: Fred Friedland
Date: April 3
Time: 12:30–2 p.m.
Thursday
Significant Presidential Elections
We will complete our consideration of the 1964 election of Lyndon Johnson and the resultant Great Society Program and the Vietnam war expansion. We will then examine the 1968 election in the context of a tumultuous background of urban unrest and protest over the Vietnam War and assassinations.
Instructor: Stephen Appell, Esq.
Dates: February 7, 21, 28, March 14, 28, April 4, 11 and May 2
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
U.S. Constitution 101
This will be a survey course highlighting key aspects of our founding document. The class will help foster further understanding of how our government works
Instructor: Deborah Miller
Dates: April 4 and 11
Time: 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Essays, Articles and Op Ed
Sharing thoughts, ideas and experiences provide the opportunity to better understand ourselves and others. This class will consist of open discussions on selected thought provoking topics found in essays, articles and op-ed pieces.
Instructor: Annette Libert
Dates: February 7–May 2
Time: 12:35–1:50 p.m.
Special Lectures
"Immigration Law"
The challenge of navigation through the nation's immigration laws.
Presenter: Ben Baumgartner
Date: February 28
Time: 1-2 p.m.
"Holocaust Remembrance Day"
The author will share her personal holocaust experience.
Presenter: Ruth Gruener
Date: May 2
Time: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Friday
Mindfulness: A Place to Be
Take a moment to slow down, breathe and simply be. Bring your sense of curiosity and come play on a path of self-discovery.
Instructor: Peggy Horwitz
Dates: February 15
Time: 10:30-Noon
21st Century Film Series - Part 2
This is Part 2 of a series dealing with recent films of the past two decades. Films will include "A Beautiful Mind" and "The Social Network.
Instructor: Sol Makon.
Dates: February 8-May 3
Time: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Presidential Elections Film: The Jagged Edge
San Francisco heiress, Paige Forrester is brutally murdered in her remote beach house. Is her husband the killer?
Instructor:Len Rudorfer
Dates: March 8
Time: 1–3 p.m.
Museum Walks and Talks
Coordinator: Linda Silverman
Fridays - members travel independently to museums and enjoy a special docent tour. There may be a small additional fee for museum entry. Call the office for more information
