Adults on the Go

What attendees are saying:
The individual attention and knowledge of the instructor is great. The classes are excellent. I highly recommend them.
- Barbara, Beachwood

 

 

 

Tour of Jewish ClevelandDrawing with Colored PencilsTour of Jewish Cleveland

Adults on the Go is an exciting, lifelong learning program designed to interest, entertain, engage and inform adults at any stage of life. Lifelong learning helps you stay connected, vibrant, active and socially engaged in the world around you. We have a wonderful schedule of programs lined up for the upcoming months and hope you can join us.

If you have questions or to register for any of the programs listed below, please call (216) 593-0448 or email Sue at smarconi@clevejcc.org Payment is required when you register.



Jewish Memoirs from Around the World: A Book Discussion Group
Many of us have read memoirs and biographies of Eastern European Jews recounting experiences in Europe or in coming to America.  There is a growing literature of books by and about Jews from "different diasporas" including Egypt, England, Iraq, and Israel. This discussion group, led by Amy Rosenfield, will meet from noon – 1:00pm at Joseph Beth Bookstore in Legacy Village. Come to the first meeting having read My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq by Ariel Sabar. In this beautifully crafted book Sabar reconstructs his father's roots and vividly evokes life in Iraq circa 1930 -- with its narrow, zigzagging unpaved roads; clustered flat-roof mud-brick houses; cramped open-air market; river banks speckled with scampering children and tea-sipping men; Jews, Muslims and Christians peacefully coexisting. He opens his readers' eyes to a culture they may never have known existed.

Friday, March 20, April 17, May 22, and June 19
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Joseph Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village
Fee: $10    


Hot, Flat, Crowded and Hungry
Exploring Contemporary Issues in this Complicated World
This course, taught by Jerry Graham, will feature a LECTURE format with ample time reserved for questions. Topics will be drawn from contemporary political and economic events. We will reflect on ides from two recent books: “Hot, Flat and Crowded” by Thomas Friedman and “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan. The Friedman book features his remarkable ability to summarize enormously important and complex global issues. Pollan presents a fascinating analysis of the importance of our agricultural policies on everything from national security to health care costs. Note: Jerry Graham’s classes are not interchangeable, only come to the class time you are registered for. 

Monday, April 6 – June 1 (no class on May 25)
1:00 – 2:30 pm (8 sessions)
Stonehill Auditorium
Fee: $65


Exploring Public Policy Issues in 2009
This DISCUSSION course, taught by Jerry Graham, will offer an opportunity to reflect on many of the important public policy issues this nation faces. Topics will include the economic crisis, foreign policy issues, the environment, and as yet unknown political events. Participants will be encouraged to read Thomas Friedman’s “Hot, Flat and Crowded” and Michael Pollan’s “In Defense of Food”. Both of these terrific new books will be used as the basis of much of our discussion. The format for this class will be interaction among students. Note: Jerry Graham’s classes are not interchangeable, only come to the class time you are registered for.  Limit 40.

Tuesday, April 7 – May 26
10:00 – 11:30 am (8 sessions)
Mandel Community Room
Fee: $75

Or

Monday, April 6 – June 8 (No class on 4/27 or 5/25)                                    
7:00 – 8:30 pm (8 sessions)
Mandel Community Room
Fee: $75 


Painting with Colored Pencils
Discover the beauty, magic and excitement of painting with colored pencils. Jennifer Kosarko makes exploring this fascinating medium easy by providing simple, hands-on instructions, illuminating examples and step-by-step demonstrations. Drawing experience is not necessary as we will use photos transferred onto your paper. Your instructor will discuss supplies at the first class.

Tuesday, April 7 – May 19
1:00-3:00 pm (8 sessions)
Small Stonehill
Fee: $45 JCC Member / $49 Non-Member


CWRU presents: Einstein: His Life and Universe
Albert Einstein’s life represented and reflected the 20th century. A genius who revolutionized our understanding of the universe, he was also a human being prone to petty behavior, jealously, infidelity and neglectful parenthood. His Jewish heritage and Zionism were an important part of his identity although he expressed no traditional religious beliefs. A key figure in the development of the atom bomb, he became a leading advocate for world peace. The text for the course is Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. Join us for a lively discussion of this most interesting and intriguing man.  Your instructor is CWRU faculty member Albert Kirby. 

Monday, April 13-June 8 (no class on 5/25)
10:00-11:30 am (8 sessions)
Ante Room
Fee: $60  


Yiddish: From the Shetel to Suburbia
Join Belle Savransky on a journey into the past.  Less than a century ago Yiddish was understood by an estimated 11 million of the world's 18 million Jews, and many of them spoke Yiddish as their primary language. Yiddish has fallen on hard times, but in recent years it has experienced a resurgence as many Jews now want to regain touch with their heritage through this nearly-lost language. You will embark on a revival of Yiddish culture, song fraylachs, idiomatic expressions and everyday conversations.

Tuesday, April 14-May 19
1:30-2:30 pm (6 sessions)
Ante Room
Fee: $30 JCC Member / $35 Non-Member


Mah Jongg
Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game that dates back as far as 960 A.D. The game involves skill, strategy, calculation, and a little luck. In just a few short weeks you will learn the rules and necessary strategy to become a skilled player. Once this course is completed, you will be able to form your own Mah Jongg group.  This is a wonderful way to make new friends and have a lot of fun.  Bring $6.50 to the first class to purchase this year’s Mah Jongg card. Beginners and more advanced players welcome.

Sunday, April 19 -May 31(no class on May 24)
1:00-3:00 pm (6 sessions)
Small Stonehill
Fee: $30 JCC Member / $35 Non-Member


Learn to Photograph with a Digital Camera
Join us for a hands-on experience to learn to take good photographs with a digital camera. We will discuss the principles of good photography and put that knowledge into practice by taking pictures and discussing the results. This is a beginning level class; however minimal experience using your digital camera is necessary. Required: A digital camera, a means of printing (commercial or at-home), a little experience using your camera, and a willingness to learn and experiment with your camera.  Taught by Phil Hart, architect and photographer.  Bring your camera and instruction manual to all classes.

Wednesday, April 22- May 20
10:00 – 11:30 am (5 sessions)
Small Stonehill
Fee: $30 JCC Member / $35 Non-Member

“Phil is an excellent teacher; I finally know how to use my camera. I am enjoying being the family photographer.” Linda Strauss, Pepper Pike


The Triangle Fire: The Event that Changed America
On March 25, 1911, 148 immigrant garment workers died in a factory fire that could have been prevented.  The fire lead to legislation in which young immigrant Jewish women were in the vanguard of social reform.

The proposed course will deal with the sweat shop conditions that lead to the disaster and the role that young immigrant women played in the creation of the union movement. We will trace the history of immigration policies from this historical event to our current immigration dilemmas and challenges. Instructor is Marvin Rosenberg, Professor Emeritus, Case Western Reserve University.

Thursday, April 23-May 28
1:30-3:00 pm (6 sessions)
Small Stonehill
Fee: $25 JCC Member / $30 Non-Member


Exploring our City Series: Tour the Tremont Art District
Our visit in November to the Gordon Square Arts District was a smashing success, as we enjoyed private tours of west side Cleveland’s premiere galleries, studios and theaters.  Now we’re off to explore another of Cleveland’s arts-filled districts – the Tremont neighborhood located on the near-west side close to the West Side Market.  Long famous for its monthly art walk, Tremont hosts a wonderful collection of galleries, restaurants, new housing, parks and boutique shops set in an area with a rich historical past.  (Find out why streets are named Professor and Literary.) Join us as we witness the power of arts and culture to transform our city. Bus will leave from The Mandel JCC. Fee includes guide, lunch and transportation. Registration deadline is May 1.

Friday, May 8
10:30 am-4:00 pm
Fee: $50 JCC Member / $55 Non Member

“The tour of Gordon Square was a delightful day taking me to a part of the city I was completely unfamiliar with. Thank you JCC for showing me that there is art and culture on the west side too!” Judy Weiss, Orange Village


A Tribute to Jewish Lyricists and Composers with the Helen Welch Trio
Spend an evening tappin’ your toes to familiar rhythms from Arlen, Berlin, Gershwin, Kern, Hart and Torme. Sing along with tunes made famous by Streisand, Connick and Bacharach. Join singer, song-writer and actress Helen Welch, who performs with The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and her trio featuring Dan Murphy on piano, Bryan Thomas on bass and Mark Gonder on drums for an evening of pure fun and entertainment. For tickets call 866-546-1358, online at www.clevejcc.org or in person at The Mandel JCC

Saturday, May 9
8:30 pm
Stonehill Auditorium
Fee: $15 (plus transaction fee for phone and online orders)


Exploring Jewish Cleveland from 1850-1950
Travel with us as we explore Jewish life in “early Cleveland”. Armed with historical facts and anecdotes, local expert Nate Arnold will take us through 100 years of Jewish life in Cleveland. We’ll board a bus and together we will explore the old neighborhoods of Woodland-55th, Glenville and Kinsman to see where our ancestors settled. We’ll stop for lunch and visit the old Euclid Avenue Temple (now a church) built in 1912 with its gorgeous Tiffany windows. We will see how our forefathers lived, earned their livelihoods and prayed. This promises to be an educational and delightful day. Fee includes bus transportation, lunch and guide.  Meet by The Mandel JCC front entrance. Registration deadline is May 7.

Thursday, May 14
9:30 – 4:00 pm
$45 JCC Member / $50 Non-Member

“A wonderful trip, very well executed and thoroughly enjoyable."  - Leonard Kahn, Beachwood


Elegant Container Gardening
If you love to grow fragrant flowers and delicious vegetables but don’t have the space or the ability to bend and stoop, this hands-on class is for you. Container gardening is the latest rage for flowers, herbs and vegetables.  Containers can be grown where traditional gardens are not possible and are an ideal solution for people with limited mobility, space or time. Each week you will make a different container garden to take home to enjoy all summer long.  Your instructor, Margie Speerbrecher, is a master gardener from the Ohio State Extension Office. Class will meet in Small Stonehill. There will be a $10 fee at each session payable to the instructor. Registration deadline is May 1.

Thursday, May 14, 21, and 28
10:00 am – 12:00 pm (3 sessions)
Fee: $20 JCC Member / $25 Non-Member

“Each week, to the amazement of my friends, I brought home a lovely container garden filled with a variety of flowers, herbs or vegetables that grew all summer long. I met a great group of women and we had a lot of laughs as we learned to make our masterpieces.” Joan Cooper, Solon 


The Politics of Jewish Theater
Israeli playwright Motti Lerner, author of Pangs of the Messiah and other acclaimed plays, shares provocative insights about the responsibility of Jewish artists to confront the dilemmas of Jewish existence. Lerner has written frequently about topics relevant to contemporary Israeli politics and society. He will reflect on Judaism in a time of globalization and the multi-layered relationship between the state of Israel and Jewish communities around the world and. This program will be held at City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor. Call (216) 621-0082 for reservations which must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Wednesday, May 20
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Fee: $15 JCC and City Club Members / $25 Non-Member


Tour Progressive’s Art Collection
In the world of contemporary art, the Progressive collection is the stuff of legend. It comprises edgy works by young artists and is designed to surprise, please, and provoke.  You can not view the artwork on your own, however the JCC has arranged for a docent led tour of this cutting-edge contemporary collection. Little-known outside the art world, Progressive’s sometimes controversial collection is arguably the best corporate collection of contemporary art in the U.S. Space is limited. Registration deadline is May 27. Progressive Insurance is located at 6300 Wilson Mills Road in Mayfield Village.

Tuesday, June 2
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $20 Member / $25 Non-Member


The Butler Museum of Art
Art, Wine and Roses in the Youngstown area
Our first stop will be the rose gardens at Fellows Riverside Gardens, an eleven-acre public display garden featuring a landscape of remarkable beauty. The fragrance of roses will fill the air as we tour the rose collection that includes an incredible variety of climbing, hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, shrub and hybrid perpetual roses. After a hearty Amish lunch we will visit the nationally-known Butler Institute of American Art. A docent will guide us through their vast collection of American Art spanning four centuries, including paintings by Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins and many of the Hudson River School painters. We will complete our day with a guided tour of the Mastropietro Winery followed by a relaxing glass of wine on their scenic patio overlooking the vineyards. The bus will pick up in front of the JCC at approximately 8:00am return you home in time for dinner. You will receive an itinerary from Discovery Tours upon registration Registration deadline is June 30.

Tuesday, July 7
8:00 am
Fee: $74 (includes transportation, tour guides, admissions and lunch)


LearnInn – Your Learning Vacation
If you enjoy a learning environment and warm camaraderie then welcome to LearnInn. Through lectures presented by experts and lively, interactive discussions you will spend three days exploring music, film, politics, art, Judaism, current events, history and much more. The JCC staff, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, is committed to providing you with an extraordinary learning adventure that will give you an in-depth understanding of some of the most important issues and challenges of our times. For additional information call Sue at 216-593-0448.

October 25 - October 28 
The Bertram Inn in Aurora