Archaeology
Field Archaeology
Do you think being an archaeologist sounds exciting? Have you ever imagined yourself digging on a real archaeological site? Well, your chance has come. This course will touch on how to excavate a site and how to evaluate what is found. There will be one evening class where you will learn a little bit about stratigraphy, artifacts, features, and dating a site. The second class meeting will take place on a prehistoric archaeological site here in Ridgefield. After a short tour of the site, you will learn very basic excavation techniques. You will be able to work with a trowel and screen, and look for artifacts with the rest of my team. Taught by Lynn-Marie Wieland. Lynn-Marie Wieland is an archaeologist specializing in southern New England prehistory with a special interest in the Ridgefield to Ward Pound Ridge.
2 Sessions $32 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $16)
Mon., 4/28 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at ERMS and
Sat., 5/3 at site from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Writing, Editing, and Poetry
The Writer Within - Mastering the Short Story
This course is designed for those with a desire to write a short work of fiction; 1,000 to 7,500 words. Beginning to advanced writers are invited to participate. Each session will include a guided writing exercise, in-depth discussion of story components such as characterization, dialogue, setting, plot, conflict, resolution, style, editing, and the submission process. Time and guidelines will be allotted for individual in-class critiques, which will provide a positive and constructive focus on enhancing technique to help achieve the next level of writing. All participants will be encouraged to read short works of fiction and write or complete some facet of a weekly assignment, and will be invited, but not required to submit work for in-class critiques. A three-ring binder, pen or pencil is required at the first class. A $4 materials fee and an additional fee for a book is also payable to the instructor at the first class. Taught by Carmine Coco De Young. Carmine Coco DeYoung is an experienced children’s author, storyteller, and freelance writer who has won numerous awards, including the Keystone State Book Award and the Marguerite de Angeli Prize for “A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt.”
6 Sessions $91 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $46) + $ materials & book
Thur., 4/24; 5/1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Veterans Park
Writing for Children
Board Book to Young Adult Novel, this workshop is designed for those with an interest in writing for children. Beginning to advanced writers are invited to participate. Each session will include a guided writing exercise, in-depth discussion of age appropriate story components such as characterization, dialogue, setting, plot, conflict, resolution, style, editing, and the submission process. Time and guidelines will be allotted for individual in-class critiques, which will provide a positive and constructive focus on enhancing technique. Participants will be encouraged to complete some facet of a weekly assignment, and will be invited, but not required to submit work for in-class critiques. A three-ring binder, pen or pencil is required at each class. A $4 materials fee and an additional fee for a book is also payable to the instructor at the first class. Taught by Carmine Coco De Young. Carmine Coco DeYoung is an experienced children’s author, storyteller, and freelance writer who has won numerous awards, including the Keystone State Book Award and the Marguerite de Angeli Prize for “A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt.”
6 Sessions $91 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $46)
Tues., 4/22, 29; 5/6, 13, 20 & 27; 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; Venus Bldg.
Writing as a Passion...
This is a short course on creative writing with emphasis on turning the story in your head into a published novel. The goal of this workshop will be to discuss aspects of the publishing process, the query letter, and the passion for writing. Participants can bring works-in-progress for discussion. No fees for materials. Class will be taught by Linda Merlino. Linda Merlino is a member of the Ridgefield Writers Guild and the CT Press Club and has led writing workshops. Her debut novel, Belly Of The Whale will be released March 1, 2008.
4 Sessions $64 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32)
Wed., 5/7, 14, 21 & 28; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS
The Art of Creative Writing
Have you always wanted to write? Do you have a novel, poem(s) or memoir somewhere inside you? This course will introduce you to techniques and exercises designed to open you up to your creative self. We will explore the wide-open worlds of fiction, poetry and personal essay/memoir, and find ways to better express our creative ideas through metaphor, mood and tone. Each session will consist of spontaneous writing exercises followed by (non-mandatory) sharing and constructive, encouraging comments. Participants will also be assigned take-home exercises, with the option of working on their own personal writing projects. This course is intended to inspire you to keep writing long after the final session is over. Beginners and more experienced writers are invited. Bring a notebook and a pen and the desire to write! Taught by Chris Belden. Chris Belden is the author of the novel, Squirt, co-author of the feature film Amnesia, and numerous plays. His CD, Songs About Anything was released in 2004. His second CD, Camouflage, will be released in Spring 2008. He had taught many writing workshops.
7 Sessions $105 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $53)
Wed. 4/23, 30; 5/7, 14, 21, 28 & 6/4; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
Poetry 101
Poetry is passion. Passion is life. Poetry is life. Poetry101 is the artistic lexicology of satisfying explorations in the aesthetic and experience of poetry. Poetry101 contains satisfying explorations of poetic roots and components giving way to class-occurring discussions and the exhibition of material, both established and new, by published authors and the class’ students. These activated class discussions will explore the aesthetics of each poem created and experienced. Material such as Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, William Blake, William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, John Keats, and others, will be the focus throughout the participation. Assignments will include the creation of poetry by participants to be exhibited in each class resulting in the establishment of a class collective poetry portfolio. A composition book and a sturdy pen will be required. Taught by Kenneth Lundquist, Jr. Kenneth Lundquist, Jr. is a poet, musician and small business marketing consultant who enjoys teaching and sharing his passion for poetry with others.
4 Sessions $64 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32) + $ text/materials
Mon., 4/28; 5/5, 12 & 19; 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
Business Writing
Business Writing
Writing is important in business, but it isn’t easy. We learned some basic writing skills in school, but we’ve forgotten some of the rules and guidelines. Some of the things we learned don’t seem to apply to what we’re writing now. This course provides an overview of business writing. It covers the mechanics of business letters, e-mail, memoranda, reports, and presentation slides. It includes gentle reminders about grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and difficult (or easily misunderstood) words and expressions. The exercises will help you to adjust your style to the audience and the subject and to express yourself clearly and effectively. Taught by Tom Madden. Tom Madden has a B.A. in English and more than thirty years of experience in technical and management positions in Information Technology, technical education, and technical marketing.
4 Sessions $64 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32)
Mon., 4/21, 28; 5/5 & 12; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS
History
America’s History Through Songs and Musicals, Part 2
History, music, and movies -- what could be more fun than seeing the history of the 20th century through its popular culture? In these three sessions, we will review the tragedies, triumphs, mood, fads, and trends in America from 1950 to 1970, through the great songs from movies, musicals, television, and records. This was a pivotal period in the history of the USA and its popular music - a time of both The Sound of Music and “The Sounds of Silence.” The dreams of the nation arereflected in movie musicals such as The Sound of Music and its counter culture is displayed in songs such as “The Sounds of Silence.” Come listen, learn, and sing along. Taught by Michael Garber. Taught by Michael Garber. Michael Garber,
PhD, is a theatre and film historian, lecturer on popular music, and a leader
of community music outreach programs.
3 Sessions $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $18)
Thur., 5/15, 22 & 29; 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
French History from Louis XIV through the French Revolution
Such was the formality and rigidity of his reign, that if one knew what time it was in France, one could say precisely what the Sun King was doing. What was it like to be in the court of Versailles with its dazzling brilliance and strict protocol? What legacy did the king seek to create, and what did he really leave? How did his heir, the young Louis XV squander the fortunes of France, almost sealing the fate of his heir, Louis XVI? What were the forces at work in the revolution? Did the conduct of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s behavior flame the fires of revolt or were they doomed from the start? How did Napoleon, a child of the equalizing revolution, emerge as an emperor? Through an examination of the personal and public lives of the French rulers and a consideration of national events, this course will introduce students to the fascinating and often tragic interconnection between personality and events in French history. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years and traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching history.
3 Sessions $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $18)
Mon., 4/7, 21 & 28; 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; ERMS
Art and Antique History
400 Years of Antiques
Explore 400 years of antique furniture design beginning with early American
and ending with Art Deco. Learn how to recognize period styles by noting
characteristics in the elements of design, the woods commonly used and the
furniture forms. The 1st session will discuss Jacobean, William and Mary,
Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Federal, and American Empire style including
designs by Adams, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. The 2nd session will focus on
Revival style furniture as well as Eastlake, Mission, Arts and Crafts, Art
Nouveau, and Art Deco furniture. Students who have any questions about their
antique furniture are welcome to bring one or two photos to the last session
for class discussion. Participants will also receive a book list and suggestions
for how to research antique furniture using the internet. Taught by Katherine
Yellen. Katherine Yellen has been awarded her ISA CAPP status by the International
Society of Appraisers. She is a Certified Appraiser of Personal Property
in Antiques & Residential Contents having undertaken intensive studies
and exams in appraisal principles, theory and practice.
2 Sessions $32 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $16)
Wed., 4/2 & 9; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS
Philosophy
Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self
Based on contemporary Buddhist bestseller The Buddha in Your Mirror (www.middlewaypress.com),
this class will introduce a simple daily ritual that you can apply to relationships,
career, health, and the unique environments you encounter in normal life. Unlike
monastic traditions, this 700-year old Buddhist philosophy and technique can
be practiced anywhere (not recommended while driving!) and can be completely
integrated into your daily life (without redecorating, investing in a new wardrobe,
or leaving for long weekends). Instruction will take place in English. Team
taught by Charles Greenberg and a guest speaker. Charles Greenberg is head
reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He team-teaches Practical
Buddhism.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. 10)
Mon., 3/31; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS
Thur., 4/24; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Veterans Park
Mon., 7/21; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Building
Dreams
Dream Interpretation Workshop
The dream circle will be an experiential and interactive group in which each member will learn many theories and techniques for dream recall and interpretation. Also techniques and support will be given for those who want to become avid dreamers, that is, dreamers who want to utilize their dreams for the purpose of guidance, healing, cognition, and intuition. Taught by Dana Michie. Dana Michie has an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in Education, and BA in English. She has led workshops in California, over the past 20 years.
3 Sessions $48 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $24)
Mon., 5/12, 19 & 6/2; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS