Athenaeum Offers Issues and Ideas series and a Week of Free Offerings

The Athenaeum, an innovative, continued-learning organization for adults 50-and-over at RIT, presents its fall Issues and Ideas open house series, 2–3:30 p.m., Jan. 15 and 17 and 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. the week of Jan. 21-24.

Tuesday, Jan. 15 — Previews: A Taste of Winter Offerings. Several course leaders will present their winter courses.

Voices of Immigrant Women presented by Elaine Zack will explore the legacy of our female immigrant ancestors and the values and lessons they have taught that shape our lives today.

Poldark’s World—Lake 18th Century Cornwall presented by Phyllis McCauley will explore the life of 18th century Cornwall, England, using Winston Graham’s novels about Capt. Ross Poldark and the "Masterpiece Theatre" video series based on them.

Astronomy presented by Joe Charles will cover the Milky Way, other galaxies, quasars and cosmology as a continuation of the fall astronomy course.

International Women’s Stories by Anne O’Toole will discuss stories by more than two dozen female authors from across the globe.

Thursday, Jan. 17 — More Previews: A Taste of Winter Offerings.

Understanding Harry Potter II—"The Chamber of Secrets" presented by Martha Gore and Jeanne Sandholzer will study the myth behind the second book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

Environmental Forum presented by Bernard Astill will study current and urgent topics in environmental protection, safety and health.

An Insider’s Look at the FBI presented by Dick Foley will review the history of the FBI, explaining the federal legal system, and examining current prominent cases.

Psychology of Writing presented by Norm Davis will explore psychology as it relates to the creative act of writing.

The Athenaeum will offer a weeklong open house, held Monday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 24. All 26 Athenaeum classes offered this quarter will be open to the public to sit-in and sample.

Classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with breaks for lunch. All programs are held free of charge at the Athenaeum.

The Athenaeum is located at 30 Fairwood Drive, near the RIT campus. Please call ahead to reserve a place during the open house.

The Athenaeum, a non-profit organization sponsored by RIT, conducts educational enrichment programs dedicated to adults over 50. Founded in 1987, its goal is to provide seniors with intellectual pursuits, maintaining active minds through the continued exploration of the world around them. In addition to educational courses covering a wide variety of topics, led by the members themselves, the Athenaeum also offers opportunities for making and expanding friendships through social activities, travel tours, and volunteer and committee work.