Off-Campus Seminars

Art/Entertainment

 

Digital Camera Group (P)
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 10:15-12:30, Arden-Dimick Library
Field trips are scheduled in intervening weeks

Bonnie Darwin, Tom Monahan

Do you enjoy taking photographs? Are you interested in improving your photographs by exploring techniques used in order to gain certain effects? Join the Digital Camera Group. A variety of activities will be planned, which include guest presentations, field trips, and editing/sharing photographs. The class is divided into two parts: technical aspects of using a camera is from 10:15 to 11, and review of the photos from the field trip and the weekly challenge is from 11:15 to 12:30.

Editing Photographs in Lightroom (P)
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m., Avalon Hearing Center,1260 Fulton Ave., Suite B

Bonnie Darwin, Tom Monahan

Photography (literally "writing with light") is an art form that captures a moment in time. However, the camera doesn't always accurately capture what the eye sees. Adobe Lightroom is the leading photo-editing software for editing and improving photographs

Foreign Film Club (D)
2nd and 4th Sunday, 2 p.m., Eskaton Monroe or Library

Gloria Reynolds, Morgan Rice

Enjoy a foreign film (with English subtitles) on a Sunday afternoon, and join in a discussion of the film and an optional dinner afterward. We meet twice a month during the semester and once a month between semesters. Members are encouraged to host additional foreign films in their homes at convenient times. For Spring semester, the films will be about work/employment and jobs around the world.

Crafts/Hobbies/Social

American Mah Jongg (A)
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Clubhouse, 8131 Folsom Blvd.

Peggy Goldstein

New and experienced players are welcome to join the American Mah Jongg group on Tuesday afternoons. (More experienced players will play on the second and fourth Tuesdays as well). American Mah Jongg is challenging and fun! If you want to learn something really interesting and intense with relaxed and friendly people, try our Mah Jongg group. New players will be grouped with others just learning. Contact coordinator to pre-register. There is plenty of room of those who want to participate.

Duplicate Bridge (A)
2nd 4th Thursday, 1 p.m., Location TBA

Robert Houghton, Barbara Kletzman

This seminar is a bi-weekly game of duplicate bridge. We have three tables of bridge. We have 14 regular members signed up, as well as 12 alternates. The skill level is intermediate, and the game is for fun and learning. The roster is full at this time, and we have a list of alternates. If you would like to add your name to the list, please contact Bob Houghton by phone or email. We often need to call some of the alternates, so chances of playing are not too remote.

Bridge—Land Park/Greenhaven/Pocket Area (A)
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Members' Homes

Phyllis Mills, Ellen Nathan

We have two tables of party bridge playing in private homes of members of the group. We are friendly and social, willing to assist members as needed to enhance their knowledge of the game. Currently, we have eight regulars who are signed up to play in this group. Please contact Phyllis Mills by telephone or email if you would like to be added to the substitute list.

North/East Area Party Bridge (A)
1st, 3rd, & 5th Thursdays, 1 p.m., Member's Home

Nita Domich

We play Standard American, and the level of play is intermediate with three tables playing and scoring Chicago style. Please call if you would like to be a substitute. We call our substitutes frequently.

Dining Together (A)
2nd Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Various Locations

Noel Hinde, Frances Stroud

Join our dinner group and try different cuisines in the Sacramento area. We will have fun meeting new friends as we dine the 2nd Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Members take turns selecting and hosting the restaurants. A planning meeting will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at 12 noon in Alpine 218 for new and returning members.

Games for Fun (A)
Thursday, 12:30-2:30, Rec Room, 2300 Auburn Blvd.

Jackie Irene, DeAnga Hills

You're never too old to have a happy childhood...at least for an afternoon each week. This group plays cards, dominoes, board games, word games, etc.,—the games we played before TV and computers. The group meets year around at the Rec Center.

Games Group (Card and Board Games) (A)
Thursday, 1-3, Member's Home

Roberta Frieze, Judy Keaton

In this seminar, you'll have a chance to play different card and board games we played before TV became our major entertainment. Call the coordinator for locale.

Culture/Societies (Historical, Contemporary)

Cohousing Study Seminar (C)
1st and 3rd Tuesday, 1-3, Coffee Garden CG Gallery, 2904 Franklin Blvd.

Ann Geraghty, Loretta Landers

The Fall Cohousing Study Seminar resulted in a committed and collaborative group of individuals exploring the opportunities for meeting personal and community housing needs through cohousing. In the Spring semester, the Study Seminar will dig deeper into the organizational, financial, design, development, land acquisition and cost issues of senior cohousing, utilizing The Cohousing Handbook by Chris and Kelly Scotthanson. Field trips to cohousing sites in the vicinity of Sacramento and the Bay Area will provide for testing ideas and strengthening relationships between participants. For more information on cohousing, visit the cohousing website.

Singing for Fun (A)
Tuesday, 10 to 11:30, Rancho Cordova Methodist Church, 2101 Zinfandel Dr., Rancho Cordova

Marilyn Penland, Donna Auwaerter

"He who sings scares away his woes"—Cervantes; "Alas for those that never sing but die with all their music in them"—Oliver Wendell Holmes; "Without music, life would be a mistake"—Nietzsche; "Sing, sing a song, sing out loud, sing out strong"—Kermit the Frog. Who are we to argue with those words? Come join us and release your inner entertainer. Reading music is not necessary. Desire is to have fun. (May start early, call Marilyn for details.)

Travel through Food (P)
2nd and 4th Tuesday, 10 a.m., Carmichael Library, 5605 Marconi Ave.

Marian Lininger, Louise Lockhart, Barbara Parker, Sue Leber

If you enjoy new and exotic foods from around the world, this seminar is for you. We discuss a country or region, focusing on its culture, history, and, of course, its food. Then we eat a lunch featuring foods from that country. Lunch can be at a restaurant or can be a potluck. We will be filling a few openings from our long waiting list. See the Schedule.

Literature/Drama/Languages

Circulo Español (Conversational Spanish) (P)
Thursdays, 10-12, Campus Commons Clubhouse

JoAnn Peter, Lynda Middleton, Mary Manly

This seminar is for Spanish speakers at an intermediate level or above. The emphasis is on conversation. We sometimes read literature selections, watch a video, or review grammar, as desired by the group.

Conversational Français (P)
Wednesdays, 1 to 3, Clubhouse (Apt. complex near Marconi and Fulton)

Richard Sickert, Erica McDougal, Helen Hanna

This is a continuing seminar for those who want to practice speaking and understanding oral and written French. The skill level of the class is generally intermediate. This is not a class to learn to speak French. A basic working acquaintance with the language through high school or college classes or living in a native-speaking country is a prerequisite. Generally persons with advanced speaking ability have moved beyond the skill level this class has to offer. The success and enjoyment of the class depends on participation by all members in practicing the language through presentations, readings, and conversationally sharing common subjects of interest with other class members.

Friends of the New Yorker Magazine (D)
Mondays, 10:30 to 12:30, Library, 2300 Sierra Blvd.

Ron Meyer, Ann Heatlie

This seminar is for those who enjoy reading the New Yorker magazine, a literate publication covering many interesting subjects. Opportunities are offered to freely discuss articles, share opinions, and gain insights. Participants read and review each week's issue for discussion. We meet every Monday all year long.

Reading Buddies in Collaboration with Reading Partners (P)
Wednesday, 12:45-2:35 p.m. and other times and dates; Rancho Cordova Elementary School, 2562 Chassella Way, Rancho Cordova, and eight other sites

Dick Pitcher, Lisa Rohmer

A unique opportunity to learn from a reading specialist how to help a child with reading is now available to us. Due to requests by our members, we are collaborating with Reading Partners to provide sites closer to our members. This seminar will lead to a significant enrichment in your life and in a child's life. At RCES we are focusing on first- through third-graders who are already seriously behind in reading. There will be ongoing support with the reading specialist in the room for the whole session. The only requirement is proof of a TB test within the last four years and fingerprinting. TB tests are free through the school district and fingerprinting can be arranged for about $20. All who wish to participate need to attend. The seminar is limited to 20 persons.

Writers' Circle (D)
Mondays (alternate) 1:30-3:30, Members' Homes

Norma Streeter, Muzza Eaton

Interested in sharing your writing with an encouraging group of writers/listeners? Our circle welcomes all writing genres, all levels of writing experience. Feedback is positive. We find this format motivates us to write and opens us to new ideas. Maybe it will do the same for you. Group limited to 12.

Writers' Group I (D)
Thursday, 9:30-11:30, Avalon Hearing Aid Center, 1260 Fulton Ave., Suite B

Peggy Marsh, Ariel Amlin

For those who've wanted to do some writing, this group may provide the incentive to start. We offer a helpful, accepting environment for the beginner and the more experienced writer. Members share their personal anecdotes, memoirs, or other written material. If asked, we pool our knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary to bring each piece to its best form. Enrollment is limited to 15 members and we currently have 11. We meet year-around.

Writers' Group III (D)
Wednesday, 9:30-11:30, Members' Homes

Judy Broussard, Pat Teeters

Members write memoir, fiction, or articles, and print copies for distribution at meetings where the author reads the work aloud and receives feedback from others present. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and the emphasis is on clear communication, sharing ideas, and helping each other. The objective is to write and have fun while doing so. We meet weekly throughout the year.

Writers' Workshop II (D)
Tuesday, 12-2, Members' Homes

Roy Bishop, Lani Hahn

Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and write in a wide range of styles with their own choice of subjects: fiction, memoirs, poetry, travelogues, autobiography, biography, family history, e-mails to friends, letters to the editors, etc. Expert writing is not required. This is not a writing class. However, help with style, mechanics, and presentation will be offered if requested. Call a coordinator for locale. We meet year-round.

Monday Book Group (D)
1st Monday, 1-2:30 p.m., Eskaton Key Room, 3939 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael

Carol Hayes, Dottie Higbee

Books of many genres are read and discussed at the relaxed monthly meeting of this group. Members take turns selecting a book for the group to read. That member opens the meeting's discussion with a short bio of the author, his/her review of the book, and perhaps a synopsis of outside reviews and/or background information. Then each member gives his/her brief review. Lively discussions are frequent. The group meets year-round and is limited to 20.

Partners in Crime Book Club (D)
1st Thursday, 1:30-3 p.m., Members' Home

Marian Lininger, Carla Hoffman

Reading and discussing popular, and not-so-popular, mysteries and authors. One new author each month, chosen by the group. Seminar is full, not taking new members at this time.

Tuesday Book Group (D)
3rd Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m., Avalon Hearing Center Community Room, 1260 Fulton Ave., Suite B

Marian Kile, Gloria Reynolds

The different book hosts choose a wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. It is up to the host to make the selection, but the books must be in the Sacramento Public Library system so they are available for our readers. Members engage in intelligent yet comfortable discussions about the writing, the topic, and the author. Group size is limited. We usually meet in a community room unless the book host wants us to meet in the home or in a park.

Personal Development/Sports

Camping Anyone? (A)
Meetings Variable, Members' Homes

Richard Peter

Gather with your friends around a campfire under a starry sky and share songs or stories over a cup of hot chocolate. Enjoy a gourmet meal outdoors while sipping a glass of merlot. These are just a few of the many pleasant experiences that are part of camping. Camping locations will vary with the seasons and will include the coast, mountains, and interior deserts. This seminar is suitable for all levels of expertise, whether you're an old hand at camping or a beginner. It also accommodates all activity levels. We meet every month or two to plan upcoming trips.

Memoirs (D)
1st and 3rd Monday, 1 p.m., Raley's Event Center, 4840 San Juan Ave. at Sunset, Fair Oaks

Alice Ainsworth, Gwen Houk

Have you been thinking about writing your memoirs? Now is the time. This is the year. Come join us. We are a supportive group, and have lots of fun. We write at home, and read our stories to the group at every meeting. We are motivated and inspired by hearing each others' stories. Come share your memories with us.

Walkabouts (A)

Tilly Fairman, Chris Dreier, Norma Markley

Join us for scenic morning walks in various areas of Sacramento. We begin with a new members' orientation on campus Friday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. in Brighton 208. Our first walk will be Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m. Each walk includes a leisurely two-mile route and a faster paced four-mile route. All walkers are expected to remain with their group. Lunch together after the walk is optional. Call a coordinator for information or location of walks and meeting places. Or see the Schedule.