Irvin Yalom is a psychiatrist and author who once said, "the physicality of death destroys us, but the idea of death saves us". The wisdom of this statement is reflected in the paradox of the fragility of the human body and resiliency and life-affirming energy of the human spirit, a paradox. I witnessed often over […]
This group is for people interested in reading both fiction and non-fiction books published within the last five years. The aim of the group is to spread our wings a bit and enjoy a wide variety of books (historical fiction, humor, memoir, biography, mystery, thrillers, romance, current events, history, politics, natural science, etc.) Each month […]
The group explores various aspects of photography, from learning new techniques and equipment (macro photography, studio lighting, astrophotography, etc.) to developing our skills in wildlife, street, event, etc. photography. We explore post-processing and aspects of presenting our work for display. Facilitator: Tom Clune
Hybrid meetings: in person at the Five College Library Annex Building in N. Hatfield and on Zoom. Viewpoints is a monthly round-table discussion of current domestic and international events and issues (often, but not always, political), and other subjects not necessarily tied to the headlines of the day (such as culture wars, free speech restrictions […]
We will meet once a month on zoom to discuss short stories that we have read prior to the meeting. Members of the group will take turns choosing stories and leading the discussion. In most cases stories selected will be found on the internet. Suggestions of interesting stories will be provided by the group leader. […]
Jane's musical journey starts in 1943 with "Pistol Packin' Mama" and a brown footstool "piano", and winds through a series of odd musical instruments. A college romance (that led to marriage) began with the discovery that they had identical Hohner 64 Chromonica harmonicas. A love of folk music, camp songs, and opera have run through […]
Interesting facts and stories about the 18th and 19th century industrial powerhouse, Springfield, MA, and the fascinating story of "The Monkey Wrench Building" and the Springfield Armory. An Encore! program from the Spring 2025 seminar History in the Pioneer Valley and presented by David Rothenberg.
This is a group of women who meet monthly to discuss life experiences, focusing on such topics as the experience of aging and ageism, health issues, political concerns, using time wisely, gender roles, family ties, and friendship. Facilitators: Finnegan Alford-Cooper and Bonnie Strickland
An Encore! program from the Spring 2025 seminar The Wyeths presented by Terry Rosenfeld.
Virginia Hall, "The Lady with the Limp", was an American spy and one of the very successful spies of World War II. She operated in France and Spain, helping the resistance, organizing sabotage cells. Though Virginia Hall lost her leg in her early 20's and used a wooden leg, she was never caught. She continued […]
The presentation talks about the fort built in Cairo at the beginning o the Civil War at the junction of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. General Grant launched attacks from his base in Cairo down the Mississippi River; a "Contraband Camp" in Cairo was set up for formerly enslaved who fled the South. There was […]
In the years 1900 to mid-1930's or 1940's, many Americans considered Winslow Homer to be the greatest American painter. He painted scenes of nature and rural life in both oils and watercolors. It was inevitable that many people would see similarities when Andrew Wyeth began to paint. My presentation looks at a lot of paintings […]