Lifelong Learning

How Can C'ville Meet Its Climate Goals? (ONLINE)

Thursday, February 25, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

The City of Charlottesville set a leadership target of a 45% reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. But how can we meet this ambitious climate target and other goals? The Community Climate Collaborative (C3) was founded in 2017 to bring communities together to lead on climate by working with residents, businesses, and local governments to develop climate action plans and policies to accelerate action. Teri Kent, Director of Programs and Communications for C3, will share how they envision reaching these goals and provide local examples of success. This is first of a three-part series which will be held on the 4th Thursday of each month from Feb-April. Everyone welcome.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89217729113

Meeting ID: 892 1772 9113

About the presenter:

Teri is passionate about creating a better world through community involvement. She started the first green business challenge in Central Virginia, the Charlottesville Area Better Business Challenge, which to date has helped over 200 businesses increase their efficiency and sustainability measures. Teri also worked as Communications Manager at the Rivanna Water and Sewer & Solid Waste Authority before joining C3 in September 2017. Her love of the rocky Mountains where she grew up has expanded to a love of the Blue Ridge. In her free time, she loves listening to music with her two boys and hiking in Nature.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Writing for Healing and Growth (ONLINE)

Monday, March 1, 2021 | 10:00-12:00pm

Anyone who has ever kept a journal, written stories about his or her life, or just let the pencil do the talking knows that writing is indeed a powerful instrument for fulfillment, growth, and healing. Writing that comes from the heart and mind gives expression to that which is uniquely us. Experience the adventure of writing in this weekly workshop. The emphasis is on—but is not limited to—the writing of memoirs. This is not a critique group; it is designed to provide the support that people need to tell their stories. Strict rules of privacy and confidentiality will be observed. Leonard Tuchyner facilitates. Members only, limited availability. Fee is $15/month for standard members; free for Prime members. 

PLEASE EMAIL JENNIFER CREWS at jennifer@thecentercville.org IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS GROUP. CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL.

Members only.

Location: Online

Beginning Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

In this year long course we use Conversational Spanish in 7 Days  by Shirley Baldwin and Sarah Boas since it focuses on the most common, everyday situations you’ll encounter in Spanish-speaking countries.  Everything is explained in clear, concise English so if you have to miss a class, you can easily keep up with what we are doing in class.  We are meeting on line every week, and cover about a lesson a month:  during September-December we work with learning the present tense of regular verbs, in January we learn how to use object pronouns, and then in February add irregular verbs, in March stem-changing verbs, and in April reflexive verbs as we talk about daily activities.  In May we turn to a past tense, the present perfect, and then in June look forward, to the future tense.  Finally in July and August we end our year’s study of Spanish by working with the two simple past tenses.

 If you are looking for a basic course in Spanish, and can commit to spending at least two to three hours a week (ideally 20-30 minutes a day!) studying Spanish, then this is the course for you!  But if you just want to learn a few phrases for travel, this course is more than you really want.

This course is free and open to Center members, but please register below. The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the class.

Students supply their own materials. For more information,contact program leader, Helen Ida Moyer.

Members only.

Location: Online

Intermediate Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | 2:10-3:10pm

Intermediate Spanish  (Tuesdays at 2:10 pm)

In this year long course we use McGraw Hill’s Spanish Conversation by Jean Yates in the series of “Practice Makes Perfect”.  The text serves as a guide for expanding your conversational fluency through the use of realistic everyday dialogues.  The exercises in the text will be complemented by handouts that include personal questions which make use of the expressions presented in each lesson.  During September and October we shall be reviewing the two key simple past tenses, the preterit and imperfect, which were introduced at the end of the Beginning Spanish course.  In this course the student’s knowledge of the basic structure of the language will be expanded to include complex sentences with dependent noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses which often require the use of the subjunctive mood. 

We are meeting on line every week and cover about a lesson a month:  working with the exercises in the text, as well as with questions on handouts, plus taking some time for grammar review; the final exercise in the text entails writing a short paragraph using as many of the expressions presented in the lesson as possible.

Students supply their own materials. For information on the class, contact program leader, Helen Ida Moyer

Open to all.

Location: Online

Advanced Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | 3:20-4:20pm

Advanced Spanish  (Tuesdays at 3:20 pm)

This is an informal course for students who are fairly fluent in Spanish, designed to give them the opportunity to keep up their Spanish skills.  We meet on line every week in a tertulia like format.  The materials we use will vary, including both articles on current events and short one act plays from a book entitled En un acto: diez piezas hispanoamericanas, 3rd edition, 1990, edited by Frank Dauster and Leon  F. Lyday.  It contains ten plays, followed by questions on the content and themes for discussion.    

Students supply their own materials. For information on the class, contact program leader, Helen Ida Moyer

Open to all.

Location: Online

Book Group (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

This enthusiastic group meets monthly to discuss items of current mutual interest – mainly contemporary works, fiction and non-fiction.  Participants make suggestions, the group selects the books for group reading, and everyone enjoys sharing their impressions and feedback on the work of the month.

To join the Zoom discussion, click on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89087762468

If joining by telephone, call

+1 646 558 8656  

Upcoming Selections:

February 3      Overstory by Richard Powers

March 3          The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

April 7             The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

Members only.

Location: Online

Contact: Rosemary Connelly, Book Group Leader rdconnelly@embarqmail.com

What IS White Privilege? (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 | 5:30-6:30pm

What is White Privilege and Why should we care?  How does White Privilege play out in our lives and in our communities?

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsduCspj4qGtT04OQ-oEcfQ2oL94_xNnZs

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Susan Bro is the mother of Heather Heyer who was killed on August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville.  Susan works as an advocate for anti-racism through the Heather Heyer Foundation, Heyer Voices, and on-going hate crime legislation work.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & the Making of the College Admissions Scandal

Thursday, March 4, 2021 | 3:00-4:30pm

UNACCEPTABLE is the definitive story of the college admissions scandal that shocked the nation and shattered myths about meritocracy. Join the authors Melissa Korn and Jennifer Levitz, Wall Street Journal reporters who broke major developments in the story that exposed Rick Singer's operation which helped children nationwide secures spots at the schools of their dreams - for some, by any means necessary.They will share the history of this now famous operation, tracing the rise and ruin of the largest scam of its kind ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice. There will also be ample time for Q&A. Presented in partnership with VA Festival of the Book and WriterHouse. Register in advance, below:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc--vpz8uHtFlBNAaw2i7KpR__zbBgT6k 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Melissa Korn is a reporter for The Wall Street Journal in New York covering higher education. Previously, she wrote for Dow Jones Newswire. She is a graduate of Cornell University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Jennifer Levitz is a national reporter for The Wall Street Journal in Boston covering general news, economics, and politics. Previously, she wrote for the Providence Journal. She is a two-time Pulitzer finalist. She graduated from Loyola University of Maryland.

"Unacceptable" is available from these vendors. 

Talking Points from UNACCEPTABLE

The book paints a riveting portrait of Rick Singer and the history of his operation.

• A deep dive into his personality  and character traits that made him able to pull off such a brazen scheme for so long.
• How he was able to exploit loopholes in admissions systems, most famously, utilizing the back and side doors of college admissions with sizable donations and fraudulent athlete flags.
• The stranger than fiction strategies for cheating on standardized tests--the professional test takers who doctored results and manipulated allowances for special needs students.
• The evolution of college admissions into blood sport, which fed on the deep desires of already privileged families to achieve the ultimate status symbol: acceptance at the “right” school.
• The idea that there are secrets to know and ways to win, which helped fuel a burgeoning industry around college counseling.

Korn and Levitz had unparalleled access to the families involved.

• Exclusive insights into parents that provide well-rounded assessments of their motivations and Singer’s operations.
• So far, the only interview with one of the children involved. For Matteo Sloane this interview seemed like something of a watershed moment of asserting his independence. He gives his side of the story, and sends a message to parents everywhere. 
• Behind-the-scenes details of the investigation and legal battle that spanned the country, from California to New York to Boston. 
• Riveting accounts of the high-profile arrests and courtroom dramas.

Numbers worth noting:

• Rick Singer was paid up to $75,000 for his testing scheme and between $100,000 and $6.5 million for his illicit athletics admissions service, with the majority paying between $250,000 and $400,000 per student.
• Between 2011 and 2018 parents paid some $25 million to Singer’s charity Key Worldwide Foundation to bribe coaches and a college administrator to designate the children of wealthy clients as recruited athletes.
• Test-taking whiz Mark Riddell earned more than $200,000 cheating on college entrance exams more than 25 times in Canada, Texas and California as well as other places over the course of the cheating scheme.
• Forget real estate porn, the court proceedings provided tons of bank account porn. One mother who was charged and pleaded guilty, heiress to the Hot Pockets fortune, received $100k monthly in a trust fund.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Money & You with Jorgen Vik (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | 10:00-11:30am

* Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and SKV Group, LLC are not legal or tax advisors. You should consult with your attorney, accountant and/or estate planner before taking any action.

Jorgen Vik, CFP®, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional™ and partner of the SKV Group, LLC, a Charlottesville based wealth management company. Jorgen has worked in the financial services industry since 2001. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. SKV Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Meditation on the Inner Light (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83919817100

Meeting ID: 839 1981 7100

Experience refreshing moments of calm, balance, and peace any time you want through meditation. As you relax, feel your stress melt away. Discover how meditation can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Benefits of Meditation for the Body

By alleviating stress, meditation can improve your physical health. One of the physical benefits includes reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses.  Medical researchers and doctors have reported the effects that stress has on the body. A number of illnesses are the result of stress. For this reason, medical practitioners recommend meditation to their patients to reduce stress levels. This includes meditating to decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. They recommend meditation to enhance the body’s immune response. Hospitals and medical clinics even offer classes in meditation to patients.

Benefits of Meditation for the Mind

Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a calm mind, providing mental benefits.  Studies have shown the positive effects meditation has on the brain and on improving memory. It also enhances concentration, attention, and focus. Meditation can improve concentration, whether one needs to concentrate for sports, education, work, or hobbies. When focused, we can increase our effectiveness and productivity. Sports figures and champion athletes have reported that meditation helps them to improve their focus to prepare for competing in their sport at the highest level.

Benefits of Meditation for the Emotions

Your emotional wellness, too, can be enhanced through meditation, resulting in inner tranquility and joy. Through meditation, you can reduce anxiety and depression that are caused by feelings of hopelessness and disappointments in life. When these are the result of emotions, such as feeling isolated or lonely, or a sense of sadness from dealing with life’s losses, meditation can supplement the support received from professionals.

When you meditate, you tap in to a place of happiness and peace. This increases a sense of positivity.  You realize that, beyond your daily problems that cause emotional pain, there is a pool of joy within that you can access and feel more joyous.  Meditation helps you to recharge, refresh, and rejuvenate.  When you feel happier, you are calmer and more balanced. This creates a ripple effect that will radiate to others.

Gerry Gorman, recently retired engineer, engineering manager, and business development executive has been a student and practitioner of meditation for over 40 years. He describes a very practical form of meditation and explores how a meditation practice can help each of us develop a healthier perspective to fully appreciate life. He and his wife, Penny, have been married for 38 years and have two grown sons. 

free

Open to all.

Location: Online

Medicare 101 (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

Medicare can be so confusing! If you are new to Medicare, or if you already belong but aren’t sure you have registered for everything that you need, this is the session for you.  If you have Medicare A & B or Medicare A&B with Full Medicaid (CCC+) then you may be eligible for additional benefits and this is the session for you, too. Find out what you need to do to take full advantage of the Medicare benefits available. Join Sharon Accardo as she quides you through the process. 

Free and open to the community.  

Click on this link a few mintues prior to the program to join:  

Join the meeting: join.me/iigtraining

To dial in by phone:

+1.202.602.1295

Conference ID:
743-395-063 #

Open to all.

Location: Online

Senior Statesmen of Virginia* (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | 1:30-2:30pm

*Please note that Senior Statesmen of Virginia programs are independent of Center programming.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Contact: www.seniorstatesmen.org

The Origins of Racial Categories (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | 5:30-6:30pm

Race is a biological fiction, but a social fact. The notion of biological "race" is a relatively recent historical development that emerged in the supposed era of Enlightenment which coincided with the transatlantic slave trade. Though often considered to be immutable, racial categories are socially constructed and shift over time. The perception of "race" is not an innocent abstraction since the categories function somewhat like tickets which permit or inhibit access to political and material resources and confer social status. Finally, racial categories are defined and enforced, sometimes violently, by powerful institutions. 

Register in advance here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdeqoqzsqHtPFZbqsQMeLOpsqRDVpGUfu

Jalane Schmidt is an associate professor in the University of Virginia’s Department of Religious Studies, teaching courses that consider the effects of colonization and the slave trade upon religious practice in the Americas. An organizer with the Charlottesville chapter of Black Lives Matter, Dr. Schmidt has appeared in numerous national and international news outlets, and frequently speaks to audiences about whiteness, white supremacy, policing, and affordable housing.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Walking the Camino Santiago with Linda Scandore Part 2 (ONLINE)

Thursday, March 11, 2021 | 3:00-4:30pm

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people walk the Camino Santiago pilgrim routes that stretch across Europe. Linda will share with us her epic journey walking the most traditional Camino Francés route from St. Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago. Come walk the path with Linda Scandore as she recounts the history of the “Way of St. James” along with stories that capture the kindness of the Spanish people and fellow pilgrims. Thinking of doing a part of the walk yourself? Linda will tell you how to plan and execute your trip. Stepping beyond conventional travel are Linda’s passions – visit her blog for information on more exciting destinations. You can also view Linda's other travel presentations (Camino Santiago Part 1 and 88 Temples of Shikoku, Japan) on our Youtube website.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpfu-sqT0sE9Ed9Y5Qp2BWEI4CJc-81qHh 

Open to all.

Location: Online

Caring for Your Cardiovascular Health (ONLINE)

Monday, March 15, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Cardiovascular disease refers to medical conditions that affect the blood vessels and heart. In adults over the age of 60, at least 70% have cardiovascular disease, most of which are preventable. Jonathan Pan, internal medicine resident at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System, will help you understand the basics of cardiovascular disease and learn how to improve your cardiovascular health. Jonathan is a UVA Medical School graduate and a Center volunteer; next year he will begin his training in Cardiology at UVA.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88080818773

Meeting ID: 880 8081 8773

Open to all.

Location: Online

Elder Law with Doris Gelbman (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | 10:00-11:30am

Tuesday, February 16

Elder Law: Why Do I Need a Special Kind of Lawyer Now That I’m Older?

There are all types of lawyers: criminal, divorce, bankruptcy, corporate and many more. Elder law is a relatively new distinction, and one NOT generally taught in law schools. If you think you might need an elder law attorney, but are not quite sure what that means, here’s your chance to find out. Doris Gelbman explains what kinds of issues and cases fall under the heading “Elder Law.” 

 CLICK HERE  A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO 10 AM TO JOIN THE PROGRAM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9077793941?pwd=dFNBUnRFUVJsVjlyQTI0NFBOdVhNdz09

Meeting ID: 907 779 3941

PASSCODE: CENTER

Open to all.

Location: Online

Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

Building bridges with people across differences and divides, working to get to know someone in a real and meaningful way, taking social risks, holding yourself and others accountable, and growing requires willing engagement in feeling uncomfortable. This presentation will help you recognize your discomfort and identify ways to work through it. We will specifically talk about the discomfort of white fragility and how to handle it.

Register in advance here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpde2sqzwsG9TCN1omdD44GALdAa-4_rX3

Kaki Dimock was born in Charlottesville and raised in North Garden. She is the Director of Human Services at the City of Charlottesville, working with people experiencing homelessness, incarceration, poverty, and substance abuse. An extroverted introvert with a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University, Kaki believes we are always better together.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Reading for Pleasure (ON SITE)

Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 12:00-1:00pm

If you enjoy robust literature written by a variety of authors but only have a little extra time to read each week, this may be the program for you.  Participants read the week's selection at the start of each session, then discuss their thoughts on the piece. Free to members, but first time guests are welcome! Sandra Garret is the program leader.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Writing for Pleasure (ON SITE)

Friday, March 19, 2021 | 12:00-2:00pm

What you have to say matters ... Why not say it in writing? Come discover and share your best style! All genres and experience levels welcome. Weekly "Writing for Pleasure" meetings are members only, but monthly coffeehouses are open to all.  As always, free and open to the communities. Coffee provided. Munchies to share welcomed.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Keeping Aging Feet Healthy and Active - Dr. Heather Snyder (ONLINE)

Monday, March 22, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that is cherished by our aging population. Podiatrist Dr. Heather Snyder, DPM, FABPM, will provide helpful tips to minimize, or even prevent, a variety of foot ailments that could lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain – all of which can undermine mobility.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81739953292

Meeting ID: 817 3995 3292

About the Presenter: 

Heather Snyder is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and has been practicing in Charlottesville since 1999. She was the recipient of the Majorie C. Sitkoff Memorial Award for the female student with the highest scholastic average and epitomizing the highest ideals of today's professional women. A Fellow of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Snyder's areas of clinical interest include dance medicine and women's foot health. She and her husband, Dr. Bryan Snyder, own the private practice Albemarle Family Foot and Ankle. Dr Snyder is a Visiting Staff at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and Medical Director for the Charlottesville Ballet.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Long Term Care Insurance Q&A Appointments

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

Meet one-on-one withTracy Meade as she guides you through any questions you have about long term care insurance. If you have inquiries about an existing policy, you are welcome to bring the policy with you. Please note that space is very limited; there are only 2 appointments available each month; 10:00 and 10:30 am. Please call the Welcome Desk (434) 974-7756 to make an appointment. 

Tracy is an independent Financial Planner and Certified Long-Term Care Consultant.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Do You Have Black Friends or do You just Know Black People? (ONLINE)

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

Your efforts to build an inclusive community are dependent on your desire and ability to develop meaningful relationships. Allison Linney has spent more than 30 years learning how to explore privilege and bias and then transform that insight into a foundation for strong friendships that can endure difficult moments, bring us joy, and support lasting change.

Register in advance here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcempqT4rGNTjJPlWEkj2-QcMN0X_g1kL

Allison Linney is the President and Founder of Allison Partners, an organizational development consulting firm serving corporate, non-profit, and public sector clients in Virginia and around the world. As a coach, trainer, facilitator, and consultant, Allison’s clients benefit from her thoughtful candor and broad experience in areas including effective communication, management and supervision, balance, and team development. Allison received her BA and MBA from the University of Virginia and has been supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability work since she first came to Charlottesville in 1991.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Taking Climate Action Personally: Tips for Saving Money and the Climate at Home (ONLINE)

Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

If you are like most people, you care about the environment.  But what can you personally do about it? The issue can seem intangible, insurmountable, and immeasurable. Community Climate Collaborative (C3) is here to make it personal. In this talk we’ll share steps that you can take to reduce waste, save money, increase your health, and help our community reach its emissions reductions targets starting in your own backyard. Free and open to all.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88917739810

Meeting ID: 889 1773 9810

Open to all.

Location: Online

Getting Your Final Affairs in Order - March 31 (ON SITE)

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 10:00-11:30am

We prepare extensively for weddings, moving, and other life occurrences. But when it comes to planning for our inevitable deaths, do we have our affairs in order? Dr. Richard Gallagher has created a comprehensive program that enables the successful facilitation of your estate. Learn what essential documents you will need and how to organize them all into one place. This process can save time, money, and reduce the grief associated with death. You will receive a binder with documents and information needed to begin this process. Dr. Gallagher has settled four estates, and has 23 years’ experience teaching law, personal finance and organization, and has served as the Chairman of the Business Department at two Universities. Participants must register by Thursday, January 14th. Class materials fee: $10.00 for all, paid at registration.

Richard Gallagher is a retiree interested in helping others help themselves and their families with this presentation. He has offered this presentation several times with great success. Dr. Gallagher, a resident of Ruckersville for the last 24 years, is married with four grandchildren. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Building Opportunity (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 1, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

Building Goodness Foundation (BGF) is the central axis of transformative cultural exchanges, long-lasting partnerships and the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. For over twenty years, BGF has helped design, build and renovate schools, clinics, women’s health centers, community spaces and thousands of homes in central Virginia and internationally. Join us to learn about our work, including our projects with the Mattaponi and Upper Mattaponi Native American tribes in King William County, Virginia. We will discuss the rich heritage of these “people of the river” - an integral part of Virginian history and identity - and how BGF is making an impact in their community. Come build goodness with us! Free and open to all.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81431509847

Meeting ID: 814 3150 9847

Speaker bio:

Anne Lassere is the Director of Community Engagement at Building Goodness Foundation. Local to Charlottesville, Virginia, she is also a carpenter and a licensed general contractor with a specialty in home renovations. She is experienced in alternative building materials such as cob, adobe and straw bale. A former French translator, she enjoys traveling. When not at work, she is cooking, writing or mountain biking.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Getting Your Final Affairs in Order - April 5th (ON SITE)

Monday, April 5, 2021 | 10:00-11:30am

We prepare extensively for weddings, moving, and other life occurrences. But when it comes to planning for our inevitable deaths, do we have our affairs in order? Dr. Richard Gallagher has created a comprehensive program that enables the successful facilitation of your estate. Learn what essential documents you will need and how to organize them all into one place. This process can save time, money, and reduce the grief associated with death. You will receive a binder with documents and information needed to begin this process. Dr. Gallagher has settled four estates, and has 23 years’ experience teaching law, personal finance and organization, and has served as the Chairman of the Business Department at two Universities. Participants must register by Thursday, January 14th. Class materials fee: $10.00 for all, paid at registration.

Richard Gallagher is a retiree interested in helping others help themselves and their families with this presentation. He has offered this presentation several times with great success. Dr. Gallagher, a resident of Ruckersville for the last 24 years, is married with four grandchildren. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Current Events Talk (ON SITE)

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am - ON-SITE at The Center

Welcome to the program! Meetings are designed to encourage an enjoyable discussion about important issues. The discussion leader will keep the conversation balanced, making sure that all who wish to speak have the opportunity. We are committed to sponsoring friendly and civil discussions. We want to respectful of all opinions, different points of view.  

CURRENT EVENTS IS CURRENTLY NOT MEETING. STAY TUNED....

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Speaker Series Wrap-Up - Where Do We Go From Here? (ONLINE)

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 5:30-7:30pm

You are invited to join us for this final session, to discuss the presentations.  After a brief introduction by Bob Garrity, Mediator and Restorative Practices Consultant, participants will adjourn to moderated breakout rooms to discuss the following:  1) Reaction to the information presented.  2) Recommended action steps for The Center to take to best address diversity, equity and inclusion. 3) Recommended action steps for the greater community to take to best address diversity, equity and inclusion.   The entire group will then reconvene to present their ideas.

Register in advance here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ucuiurzspH9NgVfIF97-QH2GPH7Xec_Rj

Since 1989, Bob Garrity and has provided services and training in communication, planning, problem-solving, restorative practices, diversity and cultural competence, and conflict resolution for businesses, government, schools, universities, and other organizations.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Riding Climate Solutions: How Improving Local Transit can Help us Reach our Climate Goals (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

With transportation emissions accounting for the largest share of Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions and communities setting aggressive targets for reductions, transportation solutions are critical. While increasing electric vehicle adoption is an important solution, they are not currently accessible to all residents. Join Community Climate Collaborative Executive Director Susan Kruse to learn how improving local transit systems and doubling ridership can help Charlottesville and Albemarle County reach its climate goals and improve access to services. Free and open to all.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83829445661

Meeting ID: 838 2944 5661

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Capturing Landscape and Wildlife Photographs with an Aesthetic Difference (ONLINE)

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | 10:00-12:00pm

Six Wednesdays from  June 16-July 21 

This six-week online photography class will help you learn and apply aesthetic decisions during the process of shooting photographs. These decisions will help you achieve more dramatic, dynamic and interesting photographs. Technical decisions, such as proper exposure, sharp focus and white balance, are important and are the areas of concentration for most photography instruction. This class, however, will concentrate on artistic qualities and principles that can make the difference between just technically good photographs versus visually strong and interesting images that attract the viewer. These qualities include such important principles as composition, quality of light, format, angle of view, tonality, contrast, use of color versus black and white, and timing. Lecture time during the class will focus on these aesthetics with images of the instructor and those from your weekly shooting assignments that will be presented and discussed by the full class (Participation limited to 12-15 persons). 

Join Ben and other photography enthusiasts to learn the differences between technical and aesthetic photography decisions, to recognize the opportunities to apply artistic principles to your photographs and to capture images that reflect the important decisions you make during the process of shooting and processing your images.

About The Instructor:

Ben Greenberg is a lifelong resident of Virginia. He has photographed scenic vistas in Virginia, the mid-Atlantic area and many locations in the United States for more than fifty years, the last forty-five as a professional photographer. His carefully crafted images have won local and national awards and competitions. Ben's photographs have been exhibited in numerous individual and group shows, featured in diverse publications and purchased by thousands of Virginians.

Ben's first photography book, Natural Virginia, celebrates the natural beauty of Virginia with 122 panoramic landscape photographs from throughout the state. Natural Virginia highlights dedicated state organizations committed to preserving Virginia's fragile environment for future generations. It is dedicated to all who take pleasure in these scenic locations. A veteran photography teacher and lecturer for camera clubs, OLLI, the Charlottesville Photography Initiative,and other organizations, Ben has two websites showcasing his landscape and wildlife images www.bengreenberg.com and his book www.naturalvirginiabook.com.

Open to all.

Location: Online