O.W.L.L.’s Spring 2024 Semester Courses

Sponsored by the COA and FCOA

Exciting January through March OWLL Learning Opportunities

OWLL offers low-cost, not-to-be-missed courses for Older, Wiser, Lifelong Learners.

Please join us at the OWLL fall reception celebrating ten years of OWLL, to be held in person at the Community Center on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 3:00. The fall instructors will be previewing their courses. Mark your calendar! Please register for the reception by September 5.
Register at LexRecMa.com or by phoning 781-698-4840.

Sculpting Public Memory: The Statues of Boston and the Stories Behind Them

ON ZOOM; the last class (Feb.13) will be held in person at the Community Center and will include refreshments.

Instructor: Dan Breen

Four Tuesdays, March 19, 26, April 2, April 9, 11:00–12:30, ON ZOOM

Dan Breen, OWLL Instructor
Public monuments have aroused a great deal of attention and even controversy — think Robert E. Lee — in recent years. Why were certain people commemorated, and how were the designs commemorating them chosen? This course will focus on some of Boston’s greatest monuments, their history, and the stories of how and why they were created.

Corruption: What It Is, Who Does It, Why It Matters

(ON ZOOM)

Instructor: Robert Rotberg
Five Mondays, April 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6, 11:00–12:30, ON ZOOM
Robert Rotberg, OWLL Instructor
This course covers what constitutes corruption and kleptocracy, whom it harms, how much it costs, who profits, and why it is such a scourge. We will discuss examples from the U.S., Russia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—and also, what we can all do to reduce corrupt practices.

Wildlife in Three Variations, Part II

(ON ZOOM)

Instructor: Bill Gette

3 Tuesdays, April 2, May 7, and June 4; 4 :00–5 :15, ON ZOOM

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One Tuesday a month for three months, Bill Gette will discuss and illustrate with his own photos the myriad of wildlife he’s encountered in his travels. He’ll cover New Hampshire’s Connecticut Lakes, Big Bend National Park and West Texas, and remote places in Alaska.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

(on zoom)

Instructor: Cammy Thomas

Four Wednesdays, Apr 3, 10, 17, 24, 10–11:30, ON ZOOM

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Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) explores the coming of age of a young, brave African-American woman in Florida.  Her struggles are mighty, and her triumphs inspiring.  This novel by Zora Neale Hurston has become a classic.

Appalachian Spring: Our American Treasure

(IN PERSON)

Instructor: Margaret Ulmer

Four Wednesdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 3:00–4:30 IN PERSON

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In 1944, three of the most vibrant artists of the time--Aaron Copland (music), Martha Graham (choreography), and Isamu Noguchi (sets)--created this iconic American ballet. We’ll explore (primarily through a musical lens) the sounds, spaces, and cultural contexts of Appalachian Spring, one of our national treasures.

Memoir Writing: Bringing the Past to the Present

(IN PERSON)

Instructor: Chris Worcester

Six Thursdays, March 21, 28 April 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:00–11:30, IN PERSON

Chris Worcester, OWLL Instructor
Do you have a remarkable moment in your life that you want to share with family or friends? Is there a pivotal point to examine or clarify for yourself? During this introductory memoir writing workshop, we’ll explore techniques that contribute to an effective retelling of your moment. Arrive with an idea. Leave with a written gift to keep or share.

Spring 2024 registration for OWLL courses!

Older Wiser Lifelong Learners (OWLL) courses are now sponsored by the COA and FOCA.

Registration begins February 21 for residents ($25 per course) and February 28 for nonresidents ($50 per course) at 781-698-4840 or online at LexRecMa.com. For more information, call Human Services at 781-698-4840.