Welcome to
Adventures in Learning
Spring Session
Every Monday from April 17 - May 22, 2023
Adventures in Learning (AIL) is a life long learning program focused on helping seniors continue to learn, discover, and grow in an atmosphere of friendship. Our sessions are led by volunteer class instructors who bring their special interests and backgrounds to enrich lives and keep minds strong and vibrant. If you are new to the program, we warmly welcome you and appreciate your interest! Still have questions, then call our office at (704) 365-1995.
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Location: St. John's Baptist Church (Broach Hall) 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204. Parking is located off Hawthorne Lane, the 1st drive past the church. Signs will be posted directing you to the parking area as well as to the building entrance.
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Arrive any time after 9:30 AM to pick up your name tag and enjoy coffee/snacks, musical entertainment and fellowship.
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The General Session is 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM with a different presenter each week. You will select ONE class from the morning options (11:00 AM - 11:50 AM) and ONE class from the afternoon options (1:00 PM - 1:50 PM).
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Lunch will be from 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM. You may purchase a catered lunch in advance for $10 per meal or bring your own lunch.
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The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 12th. Advance registration is preferred, however, we will accommodate late registrations. The registration fee is $55.00.
Session Details
ADVENTURES IN DINING MENU
April 17th - Baked potato bar, Cake
April 24th - California chicken wraps, Potato salad, Brownies
May 1st - Build your own salad, Chocolate chip cookies
May 8th - Pesto turkey meatballs, Roasted carrots, Cake
May 15th - Taco bar, Chocolate chip cookies
May 22nd - Parmesan chicken, Roasted potatoes, Toasted broccoli, Brownies
We are excited to bring on Chef Hannah from Alternative Chef as our new caterer for Adventures in Dining! Thank you Chef Hannah for catering our lunches!
General Session (10:00am - 10:50am)
April 17th
"Bringing Balance to Your Life" and "Normal is Just a Setting on Your Dryer"
Speaker: Rev. Tony Marciano.
How do we create balance in the areas of physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and vocational portions of our life? What is normal to you is not normal to me. And, what is normal can be very destructive. How do we break the generational cycle of destructive behavior that is passed down?
April 24th
"Wildlife Photography"
Speaker: Frank Vasto
During this workshop, Frank will share his expertise as a photographer with a presentation on how he captures wildlife images and some of his photography tips and tricks, and then share some of his favorite photos with informative things he's learned about his ‘subjects.’ If you have an interest in photography, learning about local wildlife, and a passion for animals, this workshop is for you!
May 1st
“Charlotte History 101: Queen, King, Duke, Crown"
Speaker: Tom Hanchett
Join community historian Dr. Tom Hanchett for a fun and informative journey through Charlotte history, from Colonial-era Queen Charlotte up to today’s newest immigrants. Bring your questions about Charlotte history.
May 8th
"Understanding Your Blood Pressure"
Speaker: Dr. Ahunna Okwubunka Anyim
Understanding blood pressure is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Elevated blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, but with the right knowledge and proactive measures, these risks can be reduced. Controlling blood pressure can help you live a longer, healthier life.
May 15th
"Introduction to DNA Genealogical".
Speaker: Mary Nicholson
Have you ever wondered what DNA tests actually measure and how they identify people or relate them to relatives? Or have you had a DNA test and want to know what to do now? This is a brief introduction to the various types of DNA analysis, their uses, and the underlying biology including how to use DNA testing for matching contributors to unknown relatives and, by implication, determining ancestors or possible ethnicity.
May 22nd
"Samaritan's Feet"
Speaker: Deborah Cox-Roush
Come learn about Samaritan's Feet and their humanitarian efforts to inspire hope to the world. We can’t reach our vision of a world with zero shoeless people without our volunteers. Whether it’s preparing shoes to be shipped around the world or serving children or seniors one-on-one across the United States, each of our volunteers plays a special role here at Samaritan’s Feet. Samaritan’s Feet offers volunteer opportunities for everyone because everyone can serve! Whether you’re a family of four, an affiliate office of a large corporation, or a church small group, we have somewhere for you to serve. Your efforts will help us serve and give hope to millions of people.
Morning Session (11:00am - 11:50am)
Stability, Mind, and Body
Instructors: Ishawn Francis & Lindsey Evans
This class will be led by certified Silver Sneaker instructors. We will move through seated and standing poses designed to improve balance, flexibility and range of motion. All skill levels welcome.
The Role of Islamic World in the Development of Western Civilization
Instructor: Bill Nicholson
We all know of the splendor and wealth of Baghdad as told in the Thousand and One Nights. Medieval Muslim Civilization really was that marvelous. It preserved and expanded the accumulated knowledge of the Greco-Roman Civilization while Europe struggled through the Dark Ages. When that knowledge was returned to Europe it provided the basic intellectual building blocks that led to the Renaissance.
Our Stories (Discover Yourself Through Writing)
Instructor: Pam Pompey
Let’s celebrate our lifetime of stories. Our Stories is a creative writing course developed for seniors interested in writing. Learn the elements and techniques of capturing short stories, structuring memoirs, and writing essays. Also, the course will provide tools for capturing life experiences to preserve legacy, addresses fears of sharing your work, and assists in cultivating and growing your skills and knowledge of writing. Our Stories will encompass aspects of fiction, creative nonfiction, stage & screen, and some poetry. All are welcome!
Pencil Drawing
Instructor: Richard Solar
The Basics and One Step Beyond- Learning the fundamentals of good sketching, including shading, shadows, perspective, etc. This is a good class for beginners and intermediate levels. No talent required. Bring your sketch pad, a regular pencil and a kneaded eraser.
Afternoon Session (1:00pm - 1:50pm)
Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Instructor: Bill Logan
This series’ unifying theme proposes that even some of the most mundane sectors of our Natural World exhibit their own level of fascination, even beauty. We will look for these redeeming qualities and an understated elegance in some unlikely places: Three inconspicuous Forces of Nature (Air, Water and Rocks) and three humble classes of organisms (Bugs, Microbes, and Snails). I hope that spending an unlikely hour with each of these will reveal some new-found respect for these lowly subjects, so easily overlooked.
Estate Planning 101
Instructor: Greg McIntyre
In this 6 week course, you will learn all about estate planning including topics such as Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts, Deed Planning, Guardianships, Probate, Protection of Assets, and Paying for Long Term Care.
Basic Conversational Spanish Part 2 - CANCELLED
Instructor: Gloria Valdez
This is a continuation of last session's course with an emphasis on conversing in Spanish. In this course, you will learn how to converse in different situations such as at the supermarket, when travelling, ordering at a restaurant, and more.
Current Events
Instructor: Andy Beary
In case you haven’t noticed, there is a lot going on in the world today. Join other AIL members for a casual discussion about current events — from happenings in Charlotte to around the globe. No particular viewpoint is required, just an open mind, curiosity and a friendly spirit. Classmates may join the conversation or just listen in. News articles, studies and illustrations from multiple sources will be the basis for discussion.