Lifetime Learning presenters weigh in on ‘The Status of Democracy’ & more

The following classes are offered during week four of the Friends of Snow Library’s 2023 Fall Lifetime Learning session. All are available online via Zoom and five are also available in person at the library. All are recorded.

Monday, October 16, 1:30 to 4:00. Theater professor emeritus Marc Strauss continues his film course “Clark Gable & Jean Harlow: What a Chemistry!” featuring their powerful collaboration during the early 1930s. This week he presents Hold Your Man to be followed by China Seas on 10/23. Zoom only. (Recording of each film to last for one week only.)

Tuesday, October 17, 10:30 to 12:00. “Delights to Move Your Mind and Heart: Best-Loved Poems,” presented by Joseph Anciello, continues. Poetry lovers have an opportunity for reflection and discussion of timeless verse. The course is based on the book 100 Best-Loved Poems by Philip Smith and concludes on October 24.

Tuesday, October 17, 1:30 to 3:00. “The Status of Democracy and the Rule of Law: Stronger or Weaker One Year Since the 2022 Midterm Results and Just One Year Before the 2024 Presidential/Congressional Elections?” Former AG of MA and President of Common Cause, Scott Harshbarger returns for one class to continue a discussion evaluating the strength and fragility of American democracy and the rule of law.

Wednesday, October 18, 10:30 to 12:00. “Shakespeare’s King Richard II” is a history, a political document, and a moving tragedy. In this course of four classes, former teacher Kerry Brown discusses the complex human and historical cross currents presented in this play. The course continues on 10/25, 11/8, and 11/15.

Wednesday, October 18, 1:30 to 3:00. In the second class of “Shakespeare on War in Two Plays: Henry V and Troilus & Cressida,” Russ Leng concludes his examination of Shakespeare’s two different views of war. Using written and performed excerpts from the plays, he explores whether the issues raised are relevant today. Zoom only.

Wednesday, October 18, 5:00 to 6:30. The course Novels & Ideas: “Labyrinths,” continues with a discussion of the novel If On a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino. Democracy by Joan Didion will be considered on 11/1, and Tinkers by Paul Harding on 11/15.

Thursday, October 19, 10:30 to 12:00. In the second class of his two-class course, “Surviving Entropy (a descent into disorder): Two Approaches,” Stew Goodwin continues an examination of two scientific principles that respond to the global disorder brought about by climate change: Occam’s Razor and Resilience Force. Learn about these approaches and how they deal with the disorder. Zoom only.

Thursday, October 19, 1:30 to 3:00. “Music of the Gershwins.” John Whelan concludes a close look at the lives and music of George and Ira Gershwin with the assistance of Peter Gaines who joins John on piano to sing a few Gershwin favorites.

Registration for classes is ongoing. Complete course information and registration forms are available at Snow Library and online at www.friendsofsnowlibrary.org/lifetime-learning-program and at many local libraries and Councils on Aging. The suggested donation is $10 per course. If you wish to zoom, please try to register at least 24 hours before the class. You may register at the door of you are coming to the Craine Room.