Registration for Spring 2021 will begin soon. Check back for dates and the new class list.

(The classes shown here are from the Winter 2021 session and give an idea of types of classes that are offered)

Spring Virtual ELM Session - April 8 - May 25 (8 weeks)

Click here to download or print a copy of the ELM class list

Monday Class Times 9:30 am -2:00 pm

MON 1

9:30-10:30 am

The World of Ebay
Marvin Dudek, Instructor (Class size - 12)

Ebay, the World of Buying and Selling Online.”
This course will cover all aspects of the Ebay platform with emphasis on selling your items in the most efficient manner possible. Geared to the person new to Ebay selling, we will cover setting up your account, all items in the listing questionnaire, and best practices to optimize your sale. Students who have used Ebay and want to learn more in specific areas will benefit as I will answer all questions during class or via email. Buying will also be discussed as to dealing with “Buy it Now”, “Auction”, and “Make an Offer” situations. I will share my “Best Practices” with the class and we will go online to analyze specific listings. If you want to be confident buying or selling online, this informative class is for you.

MON 2

10:45- 11:45 am

Beginning Greek Mythology Plus
Lisa Helmick, Instructor (Class size - 40)

We will build our “allusionary” background by learning about the ancient Greek Titans, the Gods and Goddesses, the Muses, the Furies, Spirits, and Fates. Such were the beliefs of the ancient Greeks. Their stories are unbelievable (and far-fetched)—but they were believed! They include adventure, romance, family ties, jealousy, revenge, even monsters—you name it! We will get a taste of Homer’s The Iliad, and study more closely Homer’s The Odyssey.

During our seven weeks, we will journey through:

• Who were the Titans, Gods and Goddesses, Muses, Furies, and Fates?
• What are their stories and “familial” connections?
• The oral tradition of storytelling—who is Homer?
• What is the background story to The Illiad—about the Trojan War? Who really caused the Trojan War?
• Introduction to The Odyssey the ten-year trip home. Visit the stories of “The Cyclops”, Scylla and Charybdis, the bag of winds, Circe, Calypso, and more.
• How do we see the infusion of these mythic characters, throughout history in art, other literature, poetry, movies, advertising, etc.

MON 3

10:45 - 11:45

Poetry & Prayers for Love & Unity
Dr. Roger (iraj) K. Doost, Instructor (Class size - 20)

Rumi was a 13th century Persian poet/philosopher who had come to the realization of the oneness of the essence of all faiths and revealed thousands of beautiful passages/poems on this simple (or complicated?) subject. We will read and discuss some of them.

Baha’u’llah was the Prophet/Founder of the Baha’i Faith (1852-92) Who spent the entire forty-year period of His Revelation in exile or prisons of the Persian and Ottoman Empires, and all those powerful Empires wanted from Him was to stop teaching/preaching what He was saying…. And in the course of His exile and incarceration He wrote volumes on the promise (and possibility/eventuality) of world peace and human brotherhood. In this course, we will focus on some selected prayers of His on subjects such as Assistance, Forgiveness, Guidance, Healing, Humanity, Love for God, Praise & Thanksgiving, Protection, Spiritual Qualities, Strength, Wisdom, etc.

MON - 4

1:00 - 2:00 pm

The Evolution of Rock & Roll: The Music, the People, the Vibe. Part I
Rod Daugherty, Instructor (Class size - 50)

In this 7-week class we will explore the origins of rock & roll in the 1950's and how it evolved through the 1960's. Topics include the artists, the evolution of the music, recording industry people and how society both played a part and was in turn impacted by rock & roll.

Additional Details: One cannot tell the story of rock & roll without reference to sex, drugs and the racism faced by Black artists in the United States in the 50's and 60's. We will simply tell the story as it really happened and has been well documented by now which will include details to which you may have not previously been aware.

It will not be sugar-coated.

MON - 5

1:00 - 2:00 pm

The Unseen Israel Expanded, Part 2: Southern Israel
Tim Gelinas, Instructor (Class size - 40)

Resume this DEEPER expanded journey through Israel, by venturing through southern Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. This course is Part 2 of a 4-Part series designed to capture your imagination and open your eyes to the spiritual relevance of these amazing physical locations. We will be exploring sites rarely seen on traditional tours. Some of the locations that we will virtually visit will include Petra, Timna, the Valley of Dry Bones, the Gilgal, Masada, Qumran and many more incredible places!!

Tim is a former ordained campus minister at The University of Georgia. Tim and his wife Rachael have spent a total of over 24 weeks during 12 different trips to Israel. During these trips they have become friends with many influential people in the archaeological community who have provided the experiences Tim will be sharing with you during this class.

Tuesday Class Times 9:30 am -2:30 pm

TUE 1

9:30-10:30 am

Current Events
Howard Fields, PhD, Instructor (Class size - 20)

Do you have an opinion concerning what is going on in the world around you? Would you be willing to share with other people who may agree or disagree with you in a collegial environment? Then you would enjoy the session on “Current Events”. You can bring virtually any issue to the session and the folks there will listen and share their opinions. This is a place where controversial issues are discussed in a civil manner. Come and join.

TUE 2

9:30 - 10:30 am

Retirement Income and Tax Success in 2021
Randy & Nic Yeomans, Instructors (Class size - 25)

Welcome to 2021! Join us for an information-packed 2021 fun and educational experience. Learn about NEW and proposed Tax and Retirement Plan changes that may impact your income and taxes in 2021. This class will explore what you can do, legally, to keep more of your money from going to Uncle Sam.

IRA’s and 401k’s had many rule changes for 2020. Even more changes are being proposed now with a new Presidential Administration. Taxes on Capital Gains and Dividend Income may dramatically change. Other topics discussed include: Updating your Estate Planning documents, including Wills and Trusts; and Addressing Long Term Care Planning. Your ELM instructor has a passion for education and has been teaching Retirement, Tax and Estate Planning for over 25 years.

TUE - 3

9:30 - 11:00 am (NOTE: 11/2 hour class)

Art of Literature
Jeff Plowman, Instructor (Class size - 25)

This class session we will cover Look Homeward, Angel, a lengthy novel from the youthful “genius” of early 20th century American literature, Thomas Wolfe. In this novel, which he subtitled “A Story of the Buried Life”, Wolfe, a North Carolinian, transformed the events and setting of his upbringing in Asheville, North Carolina, into a beautiful but disconcerting “coming of age” novel, full of poignant observations on life as he experienced it in a small Southern town. Our sessions together will include spirited and fun discussions on the quality (and quantity!) of Wolfe’s poetic prose, his gifts as a storyteller and novelist, and his literary legacy. Come join us!

TUE - 4

10:45 - 11:45 am

Let’s Make Stuff Up
Josh Langston, Instructor (Class size - 25)

Join bestselling author Josh Langston, and try your hand at writing (or simply telling) stories of your very own. Josh will provide topics from which you can choose, or you can dream up your own. Writing tips and techniques will be shared at the start of each class, and participants will be asked to keep them in mind when working on their stories. Josh's classes are always fun, and if you've never taken one, you'll be in for a treat. His motto is: "If you're not laughing, you're not learning!”

TUE - 5

11:00 - 12:00

Are We Honest? Are We Moral?
Shai Robkin, Instructor (Class size - 30)

This course, which utilizes provocative exercises designed to generate discussion, is based on the research and writings of two acclaimed and prolific academicians. The first part of the course revolves primarily around the work of psychologist and behavioral economist Dan Ariely as presented in his book “The Honest Truth About Dishonesty.” We will examine everyday human behaviors and attempt to understand how honest each of us really is. The second half of the course explores the evolutionary psychological explanations for the origins of and differences in people’s most closely held beliefs about politics and religion. It relies primarily on the work of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt as presented in his book “The Righteous Mind” with the aim of better understanding those with whom we disagree. (It is not necessary to read either of these books to participate in and enjoy the class.)

TUE - 6

1:00 - 2:00 pm

American History (“not how we learned it when we were kids”)
Brandt Ross (Class size - 40)

The real stories of the Westward expansion, Kit Carson, & “The President who changed the West”, Special programs for Black History Month and programs about Women of Valor in WWII. All programs include folk guitar and contemporaneous songs for each program.

TUE - 7

1:00 - 2:00

French III Part A - Français fondamental: grammaire, conjugaisons et vocabulaire.
Dixie Whitman, Instructor (Class size - 7)

Do you want to enhance your French skills during this quarter? Our class will expand your vocabulary, introduce new verb formations, and bulk up your French grammarian-self.  And, while we can't gather for a cheese tasting, we can gather together to savor the culture and joys of all things French.

Pre-requisites and requirements: This class is open to those with an expanded French vocabulary and the ability to form adjectives and conjugate regular -er and irregular verbs in the present tense. This class is intended for those with moderate exposure to French and will not cover early basics. Please note that you should also sign up for the Conversation portion of this class which will be held on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM.

Wednesday Class Times 9:30 am -2:00 pm

WED - 1

9:30 - 10:30 am

Georgia State Parks: Yours to Explore, Naturally
Dixie Whitman, Instructor ( Class size - 50)

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are sacred, special places that preserve Georgia's beauty, protect Georgia's history, and promote a connection between the people of Georgia and the land we occupy.  Various Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites trace history from the Showplace of the Cherokee Nation at the Chief Vann House to the World War II Civilian Conservation Corps at F.D. Roosevelt. Our parks feature rare natural beauty such as the monadnock of Panola Mountain and the pristine trout stream at Smithgall Woods.

Come and join us for an overview of our park system and as we investigate locations across the state that are familiar and fun, secluded and spiritual, noble and natural. State Park staff members will share programs with us, most pre-recorded, and then offer a 15-minute Question and Answer session. Georgia State Parks are yours to explore, naturally.

Note: If you register for this class, please order the State Park Brochure at this site. We may need to reference this brochure during class so having a physical guide while you are online in class is preferred.

https://www.exploregeorgia.org/brochures/2020-georgia-state-parks-historic-sites

WED - 2

10:45 - 11:45 am

Who are YOU?
Lisa Helmick, Instructor (Class size - 40)

What do you know about yourself? Why do you have the interests, habits, skills, talents, and abilities you do? How can you best use those traits to improve your own life but to also affect your relationships with others? We will learn the strengths and weaknesses of our personality types and how to best “bring out the types needed” in various situations. We will look at research that has to do with learning style (brain research), “birth order” influence, generational “inheritances”, and strengthening relationships in general.

During our seven weeks, we will work through:

• Two (or three) different “personality inventories” – and what they reveal about your own personality.
• How knowing the personality types can help you to “play well with others” and strengthen your relationships.
• Discover what you love about your own personality, what drives you crazy, and how to deal with that.
• What is your learning style? (Will do one short inventory.) How does this knowledge help you decide what ELM classes to take, for example.
• What is the current research related to the brain and learning/teaching?
• How does “birth order” play into family relationships?
• Did you “inherit” any abilities, talents, or traits of your parents?
• How do we become who we truly are—taking on “influences” of others as we age and, how to we affect others to become who they are?

WED - 3
1:00 - 2:00 pm

Pine Needle Creative Coiling - Experienced
Linda Prater, Instructor (Class size - 20)

Zoom basket coiling sounds different but seems to work! In our Zoom class I give an informational presentation each week and show examples of baskets that depict the topic. This session we will cover the history of pine needle baskets; shaping a basket; form, scale, and balance; boxes, wall hangings, and free form creations, and more! The second part of the class is a demonstration of stitches including popcorn stitch, diamond stitch, ti stitch, and Carlson combo. We will each work on a basket that uses the stitches being presented. Previous coiling experience required.

WED - 4

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Storytelling “Funny Bone Style”
Dr. Mark Levine, Instructor (Class size - 20)

Learn the Art of storytelling and enjoy stories told by international storytellers and also by our classmates who choose to tell their stories. Together we will “tell the tales” and “spin the yarns” of yesterday and today of stories including nursery rhymes, fables, limericks, shaggy dog stories, movies, and music that influencer lives. Because seniors are societies consummate storytellers, we will also examine how to create humorous stories about ourselves and family members in order to pass on our legacy. We welcome all seniors who enjoy listening to stories. Storytelling is our native language.

WED - 5

1:00 - 2:00 pm

French III Part B - Conversations en français sur la vie et toutes ses joies
Dixie Whitman, Instructor (Class size - 7)

Our conversation class will help students utilize their French speaking skills in an easy, friendly group. Each week will be a different topic of conversation or game to enhance and challenge your conversational and comprehension skills. Join us.

Pre-requisite and requirement: This class is open to students enrolled in the Grammar Class on Tuesdays.

Thursday Class Times 9:30 am -2:30 pm

THR - 1

9:30 - 10:30 am

Messianic Prophecies of the Worlds Great Religions.
Joel Smith, Instructor (Class size - 40)

Each of the world's major religions contain Messianic prophecies.

Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Zoroastrian religion and even the Native American religions all foretell the coming of a Promised One. Each of the Founders of these great religions either promised to personally return himself, to send another like himself or in some instances.... the Founder promised to do both.

Christians await the return of Christ with a “new name” and the coming of "another comforter." The Jewish scriptures foretell the coming of "another Prophet" like Moses and the return of Elijah from heaven. Many Moslems await the appearance of Mahdi and Meseeh. Krishna promised to personally return from age to age. Buddha said that he was not the first Buddha ever to appear and that another "supremely enlightened" Buddha was still yet to come. Zoroastrian prophecies foretell the coming of a "world-renovator." Native American prophecies foretell the coming of a great teacher from the east who will bring teachings which will restore the hoop of unity.

Each religion, in its own way, has foretold the coming of a great religion restoring, world uniting, peace bringing Messiah.

For centuries, people from all over the world have been hoping and praying that they will be the generation which will witness the appearance of their Promised One. Not many have considered the possibility that these prophecies from the various religions might actually all be foretelling the exact same event.

THR - 2

10:45 - 11:45 am

Adventures of Savvy Ladies
Barbara Key, Instructor (Class size - 12)

Although some events will be historical, this is not a “history class”. We will be exploring and sharing life experiences, topics, and events (both past and present) with wit, wisdom and some sass. A new topic/subject will be offered each week. Questions like where you were, how did it make you feel, how did you react and what you learned from it. Enjoy and share the company of fellow “survivors” of life’s offerings.

THR - 3

10:45 - 11:45 am

Peace on earth as it is in heaven: from dream to reality – a Baha’i Perspective
Iraj Doost, Instructor (Class size - 20)

Baha’u’llah was the Prophet/Founder of the Baha’i Faith (1852-92) Who spent the entire forty-year period of His Revelation in exile or prisons of the Persian and Ottoman Empires, and all those powerful Empires wanted from Him was to stop teaching/preaching what He was saying. Thousands of His followers were put to death or imprisoned as well …. In the course of His exile and incarceration He wrote volumes on the promise (and possibility/eventuality) of world peace and human brotherhood. In this course, we will present nineteen of His major teachings explained in some one hundred volumes of Writings that He considers to be the Charter for World Peace and end to war and hatred across the globe. There seems to be a special love and place and potential mission for America to bring about world peace and human brotherhood in the Baha’i Writings.

THR - 4

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Laughter is…
Mark Levine, Instructor (Class size - 20)

A NEW “Funny Bone” Class and it’s healthy! Laughter helps us live longer and this class could help you live “forever”, or not (no refunds or guarantees.)

Join us immortals and share “more” of our vintage comedians (comedy teams), humorous retirement activities and “Crazzzy” situations we experience as seniors. Reminisce and laugh at the “werdz” we use and games, jokes, stories, movies and the music we still love. After 2020 we NEED to laugh.

After all, Laughter is My Best Anti-aging Remedy.