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Alvernia Seniors College
Mid-Year 2008

∆ - A convenient shuttle is available from the Alvernia College Upland Center to these courses on the west campus.

Monday Courses

The Poetry of Robert Frost  (3 weeks)
Thomas Flynn, Ph. D., President
Robert Frost is one of our great American poets and certainly among those best known by his fellow citizens.  He is pleasurable to read and accessible to the generalpublic yet deceptively simple and profound in his insights.  We will read short andlonger poems, some familiar and some less so.  And we will have fun with Frost, as he would hope and expect.
Dates: April 14, 21, 28
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Cost: $25.00
Place: Alvernia College, Student Center, Seminar Rm.

Art Techniques Learned From the Masters (6 Weeks)
Sandra Nestlerode-Hale,
“From DaVinci to today, art has evolved with the discovery of new techniques and materials.  We will try out many of the “secret techniques” that artists used in the past.  We will also explore art using mixed media, photography, sculpture and graphic design. No experience necessary.  Bring your paints and paper or canvasses.  You will also need a blank book or sketch pad that has water-color paper.
Dates:  March 31, Aril 7,14,21, 28, and May 12
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PM Cost: $40.00
Place:Alvernia College Art Studio

Older & Bolder Journey of Faith  -   Part 2 (6 weeks)
Rabbi Alan Weitzman
How to make growing older a journey of faith.  Have the courage to ask the important questions; resolve to maximize quality of your years through growth; recognize the value of an ethical will; realize the comfort and security of dealing with end of life issues.  It is not necessary to have taken Part I to benefit from this course.
Dates: March 31, Aril 7,14,21, 28, and May 12
Time: 2:30 - 4:00 PM Cost: $40.00
Place: Alvernia College Upland Center, Rm. 229

Tuesday Courses

Pennsylvania History: People. Places. Surprises! (4 Weeks)
Rev. Elton Richards
Test your memory and be surprised!  How well do you know the history of Pennsylvania?  This course will focus on overlooked people and places in the Keystone State that shaped the history of the United States.
Dates: April 1,8,15,22
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Cost: $30.00
Place: Alvernia College Upland Center, Seminar Room     

Introduction To Your Personal Computer (7 Weeks)
Walter Flatt
This Window-based computer course is for non-users, beginners and others wishing to increase their comfort with computers. It provides students with knowledge and experience in the use of personal computers, and offers instruction on the use of the Internet. Limit 15 students.
Dates: April 1,8,15,22,29; May 6,13.
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM Cost: $50.00
Place: Alvernia College, Bernardine Hall,  Rm. 211

Simpler Living—Compassionate Lifestyles (3 Weeks)
Rev. Fred S. Opalinski
How to modify your needs to help you achieve good and abundant life?  What clues will help you use time, talent and treasure to enrich your experiences?  Learn and enjoy as we investigate the inspirational reflections of Christian spiritual writers such as Henry Neuwen, Richard Foster and Frederick Buechner.
Dates: April 22,29; May 6
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM Cost: $25.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center,  Rm. 228

Wednesday Courses

Kaballah (5 Weeks)
Rabbi Alan Weitzman
This ongoing exploration of Kaballah will focus on creation, the role of human beings within the universe, reward and punishment, and pain and suffering.  Related topics to be considered will be angels, miracles, evil, and life after death.  It is not necessary tohave taken Part I to benefit from this course.
Dates: April 2,9,16,23,30
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Cost: $35.00
Place:Sacred Heart Villa, 51 Seminary Avenue, Reading PA 19605

The Universe from Then until Now ( 5 Weeks)
Norman W. Hirsch
This course will investigate the foundations of the universe, including its beginnings, development, current status and future from a scientific perspective.
Dates:April 2,9,16,23,30
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Cost: $35.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center, Rm. 229

Egypt: Ancient Foundations and Modern World Power (2 Weeks)
Ezzat Hanna, M.D
This course offers a rare overview of the history, culture and religions of Egypt from the perspective of one who was born, educated and lived in Egypt for much of his life.  Dr. Ezzat Hanna will fascinate participants with knowledge and insight of how an ancient world has become a modern power.
Dates: April 30; May 7
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Cost: $15.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center, Community Rm., 103

The 2008 Presidential Election:  Personalities, Policies and Polls ( 4 weeks)
Drs. Tim Blessing, Jodi Radosh, David Silbey, Victoria Williams 
The 2008 Presidential Election is going to rock the world.  What is unique about this Presidential campaign?  What are its framing issues?  Who and what influences will condition its outcomes?  Explore the personalities, policies and polls of the 2008 Presidential Campaign from the perspectives of history, political science, and mass media.
Dates: April 16,23,30; May 7
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM Cost: $30.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center, Seminar Room, 2nd Floor

Thursday Courses

The Inspiring Legacy of Great Women in the Bible (6 Weeks)
Sister Nanette, M.S.C.
Courage. Leadership. Power. Women.  This course will focus on the influential women of the Bible.   The lives and stories of incredible women shaped an ancient destiny and their legacy offers a special message for the world of today. 
Dates: April 3,10,17,24; May 1,8
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Cost: $40.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center, Rm. 229

Love Between the Covers:  Canticles, Ruth, and other Bible Love Stories  ( 4 Weeks)
Professor John Kissenger
Canticles is the Lennon and McCartney of its time; or, it is a mystical romance between God and humans.  Ruth is an original love story; or, it is the Roots for several ones.  Join us as we take a serious and light-hearted look at these two biblical books as works of literature.
Dates: April 10,17,24; May 1
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM Cost: $30.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center, Seminar Room

Friday Courses

Islam and the 2008 Presidential Election (7 Weeks)
Jamal Abodalo
The religion of Islam has contributed to the shape of nations and cultures throughoutits long existence.  In the United States, the 2008 Presidential Election is only months away.  How is Islam contributing to the election process?  What policies is Islam setting in motion?  How are the American people responding to the political influence of Islam at this time?
Dates: March 28; April 4,11,18,25; May 2,9
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Cost: $50.00
Place: Alvernia College, Upland Center, Seminar Room

T’ai Chi (7 Weeks)
Julia Carlson 
Through clear step-by-step instructions begin to learn a short form of Yang style T’ai Chi and its basic principles.  Practicing T’ai Chi can enhance balance, coordination and flexibility, and fosters many health benefits.  Dress comfortably.  Wear soft-soled shoes (or socks.)
Dates: March 28; April 4,11,18,25; May 2,9
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM Cost: $50.00
Place: Alvernia College Physical Education Center, Fitness Studio

Qi Gong  (Chi Kung) (7 Weeks)
Julia Carlson 
Learn ancient Chinese practices that nourish and cultivate your body, breath, mind and spirit in a natural way.  Connect with and increase your level of energy. Dress comfortably.  Wear soft-soled shoes (or socks.)
Dates: March 28; April 4,11,18,25; May 2,9
Time: 11:15 AM-12:15 PM Cost: $50.00
Place: Alvernia College Physical Education Center, Fitness Studio

Mini-Courses

AARP Driver Education Safety Program - 2 Sessions
(each class will be 4 hours)
Edith Bleichart
This course is designed for those who have not taken the course previously. Update driving knowledge, sharpen driving skills, help compensate for normal age/related physical change and drive more safely for years to come. Insurance companies should discount your premium upon completion of course.
Dates: Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Cost: $10.00 (AARP fee)
Place: Alvernia College Upland Center, Community Room

AARP Driver Education Safety Program - 1 Session
(each class will be 4 hours)
Edith Bleichart
This course is designed for those who have taken the course previously, either AARP or AAA. You must bring proof of either course with you (an insurance statement indicating you have had a driver improvement course and have received your discount.) Update driving knowledge, sharpen driving skills, help compensate for normal age/related physical change and drive more safely for years to come. Insurance companies should discount your premium upon completion of course.
Dates: Friday, May 2
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Cost: $10.00 (AARP fee)
Place: Alvernia College Upland Center, Community Room

News and Chews Breakfast Club
First Wednesday of every month (April 2 and May 7)
8:30 - 10:00 AM Alvernia College, Student Center, Dining Hall

Lunch Bunch Discussion Club
Every Monday (except March 25 – see below)

11:45 AM (lunch) 1:00 PM (program)

Alvernia College, Student Center Dining Hall/Seminar Room

Tuesday -    Sneak Preview of Upcoming Classes  

March 25    (Preview: 12:15 – 1:30 PM) Classes begin this week

March 31 -  Jonathon Encarnacion, Director Hispanic Center -  “State of the Latinos in Reading -  Dispelling Myths”

April 7     -   Dr. Spencer Stober -  “Big (Corporate) Science and Social Responsibility”

April 14   -   Dr. Conrad G. Maulfair – “Complimentary Alternative Medicine”

April 21   -   Dr. Laurence Mazzeno, Past President Alvernia College   -  “New Orleans: Survivors’ Stories”

April 24   -   St. Clare Luncheon – Rabbi Alan Weitzman Award for Community Service  -  Honoree  -  Bernard Hofmann

Book Review Club
Alvernia College, Student Center, Seminar Rooms
First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
April 2 “Midwives” by Chris Bohjalian
February 6 “Water For Elephants” by Sara Gruen
Third Monday bi-monthly - 7:00 – 8:00 PM at Phoebe Berks Village, 1 Reading Drive, Wernersville
May 19 “The Painted Veil ” by Somerset Maugham

Computer Club
Third Tuesday of every month (April 15)
2:00 – 3:30 PM at Alvernia College, Bernardine Hall, Rm. 209

Red Hat Society
A Society for women dedicated to a gathering filled with camaraderie ,exploring new avenues of fun and entertainment, such as luncheons, shows, etc. It definitely affords an opportunity to wear a RED HAT AND PURPLE CLOTHING with panache!
Call 610-779-6652 or 796-8357.

Alvernia Seniors Card Club
Each Monday beginning March 17. (School closed March 24)
9:00 AM – 11:30 Noon - Alvernia College Bernardine Hall, Room 19
The card club includes bridge, bridge lessons, pinochle, and other games.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!!

Updated: March 17, 2008

Your comments are welcome