3 M's of Monarchs: Milkweed, Metamorphosis, And Migration

With Gail Napora Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 107 Sept. 2, 9, 16 Cost: $35

Monarchs captivate us with their toxic milkweed diet, intricate pollination, dramatic ten-day metamorphosis, and migrations from Canada to Mexico or to California guided only by sun, DNA, and antennae. Hear Virginia Master Naturalist Gail Napora share two decades of feeding, tagging, and protecting these extraordinary butterflies.

Gail Napora is a butterfly enthusiast and Virginia Master Naturalist who has raised butterflies, photographed them extensively, and written seven short guides on their care. She helped establish pollinator waystations along I-81 and encourages others to appreciate and learn from the natural world.

Understanding the Mystery of Happiness

With Mwizenge Tembo Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 104 & IH 117 Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Cost: $45

Explore the meaning of happiness across cultures and history. Through discussion and examples from the United States, Africa, and Zambia, examine how relationships, faith, optimism, work, biology, and social change influence well-being while reflecting on what contributes to happiness in your own life.

Mwizenge Tembo is Emeritus Professor of Sociology who taught Sociology at Bridgewater College from 1990 to 2021. He taught and conducted research at University of Zambia in Southern Africa from 1977 to 1989. He is a published author and freelance editorial writer and photographer.

Mussar

With Peter Barbour Wednesday, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm | Virtual Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 Cost: $40

Explore four new Mussar virtues while reviewing four previously studied virtues. The course includes a brief history of Mussar. No prior experience is required, making it ideal for both new and returning students.

Peter Barbour retired from medicine to become a writer and illustrator. He has published a memoir, three illustrated children's books, more than 40 short stories, and the novel Fifteen Keys, inspired by the ethical study of Mussar.

Find Your Qi-quilibrium

With Ben Kaspar Wednesday, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm | IH 104 Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 Cost: $40

Explore qigong through posture, breath, movement, and awareness. Classes feature standing exercises, balance and strength postures, weight shifting, walking techniques, breathing patterns, and coordination practices to enhance mobility, balance, and overall well-being.

Ben Kaspar is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and martial arts instructor with more than eight years of experience studying and practicing healing and internal martial arts. He is affiliated with the North American Tang Shou Tao Association, The Center for Hand and Physical Therapy, and Mountain Stream Therapy.

Beginner Quilting

With Ragtime Fabrics Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | Ragtime Storefront Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21 Cost: $50 (Additional fees may vary based on supply needs, paid to instructors)

Dip your toe into this traditional art with a beginner-friendly quilt pattern. Learn how to piece the top with half square triangles, assemble and stitch the quilt "sandwich," and bind the edges. Choose a throw size or crib size. 10% discount on all supplies.

Ragtime Fabrics Instructors have extensive experience teaching sewing classes for both adults and children. They are welcoming, patient and encouraging whether students are current sewers, new to sewing, or coming back to sewing after a long break. Come join them for a "sewcial" good time!

Misfits Who Stopped the Atomic Nazi Bomb

With Ralph Allen Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | IH 117 Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14 Cost: $45

Scientists realized atomic chain reactions could create a devastating bomb, sparking a U.S. race to stop Germany's program. The OSS launched daring, often chaotic missions to block Hitler's access to scientists and materials, led by a brilliant band of misfits.

Ralph Allen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, has analyzed meteorites, lunar samples, and archaeological materials from predynastic Egypt and North America.

The National Park Sites in Our Own Backyard of Virginia

With Dennis Reidenbach Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 106 (week 1) IH 104 Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 Cost: $45

The National Park System spans iconic landscapes, battlefields, seashores, and historic sites. Virginia reflects this diversity with Shenandoah, Petersburg, Assateague, and the Booker T. Washington Monument. Over six weeks, we'll explore why these places were preserved for public enjoyment and what makes them essential to our shared heritage.

Dennis Reidenbach retired as Northeast Regional Director of the National Park Service after a 37-year federal career and received the Department of the Interior's Distinguished Service Award. Now living in Bridgewater with his wife Mary Beth, he enjoys community life, volunteers with Special Olympics, and serves as a deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church.

Energy and the Environment

With Amy Thompson Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 117 Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 Cost: $45

Energy and the Environment will explore the benefits and drawbacks of energy resources used in modern society, including fossil fuels, uranium ore, sunlight, wind, and flowing water. This class will be informative about the scientific understanding of our resources, not a debate about public policy.

Amy Thompson has over 30 years of college teaching experience with a PhD in geology from the University of New Mexico. She is passionate about the planet and enjoys inspiring others to be well-informed about our environment.

A Financial Workshop

With Josh Defnall Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 107 Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18 Cost: $50

Join this educational series designed to strengthen your financial knowledge and help you make informed decisions for the future. Topics include investing fundamentals, retirement-ready strategies, tax planning, scam prevention, estate considerations, and current market updates, with time each week for questions and group discussion.

Josh Defnall grew up in Fauquier County, Virginia, and moved to the Shenandoah Valley to attend Eastern Mennonite University. As a Certified Financial Planner™, Josh works at Edward Jones to help create realistic goals and implement personalized strategies for his clients.

Mastering Short Stories: From Draft to Publication

With James Blakey Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 106 (2 weeks) IH 104 Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18 Cost: $45

Explore the craft of compelling short stories: strong hooks, vivid characters, satisfying endings, and avoiding clichés. Refine your voice through discussion, examples, and feedback. Discover publication paths and markets. All levels welcome—no experience needed.

James Blakey is a Derringer Award winner for short mystery fiction, has published dozens of stories across genres including speculative and crime. Author of the paranormal thriller Superstition (2024), he edits anthologies at Whitaker Lyon Press and facilitates writing groups in Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Shenandoah County.

Emissaries From Other Worlds

With Ralph Allen Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | IH 117 Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11 Cost: $40

The course will explore how material that has fallen to Earth from outer space has helped scientists develop theories about the formation and evolution of the solar system and the universe. It will also examine the less scientific claims that ancient astronauts assisted early humans, a concept based on interpretations of past civilizations.

Ralph Allen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, has analyzed meteorites, lunar samples, and archaeological materials from predynastic Egypt and North America.

Breaking Down the Complexities of Senior Living Environments

With Kelly Ott Wednesday, 9:30 am–11:30 am | IH 106 Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16 Cost: $50 (+$20 fee for the course book, collected by instructor first day, cash or check)

Navigating senior living options can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the differences between communities, levels of care, and costs while offering practical strategies to stretch your budget. Learn how to align needs, preferences, and finances to make confident, informed decisions that support both quality of life and long-term financial stability.

Kelly Ott is a best-selling author and dementia expert with more than 30 years in healthcare. A former caregiver, she guides families through elder-care decisions and leads therapeutic art programs and community initiatives supporting Alzheimer's awareness, senior safety, and caregiver well-being.

All About AI

With Pamela Drake Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | IH 117 Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2 Cost: $45

Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, is everywhere. This course is designed to introduce you to AI: What is AI? What AI tools are available? Why does AI hallucinate? How do biases creep into AI? What are the risks of AI for education, the labor force, and the economy?

Pamela Peterson Drake is Professor Emeritus of Finance at James Madison University, where she taught full-time for 41 years. She continues to teach as an adjunct at JMU and in LLI, now focusing on engaging topics such as AI, cryptocurrency, and financial scandals.

Sew Up Your Gift List

With Ragtime Fabrics Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | Ragtime Storefront Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2 Cost: $40 (Additional fees may vary based on supply needs, paid to instructors)

For beginner or experienced sewers, work on a different project each week resulting in 5 finished items suitable for holiday gifts or treating yourself.

Ragtime Fabrics Instructors have extensive experience teaching sewing classes for both adults and children. They are welcoming, patient and encouraging whether students are current sewers, new to sewing, or coming back to sewing after a long break. Come join them for a "sewcial" good time!

Time to Travel: How Older Adults Can Become Their Own Travel Agents

With Russ Eanes Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | IH 107 Nov. 4, 11, 18 Cost: $35

Older adults can travel but face planning challenges. This class teaches how to choose tours, find flight deals, use technology, stay safe, pack light, budget effectively, and prepare documents, equipping you with the skills to plan affordable and memorable overseas trips confidently.

Russ Eanes, a writer, walker, and cyclist from Harrisonburg, is a former MennoMedia executive who has led pilgrimage tours in the U.S. and Europe since walking the Camino de Santiago in 2018.

Wigs and Makeup in Theatre

With Karman Boisset Wednesday, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm | IH 104 Nov. 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16 Cost: $40 (+$20 materials fee, collected by instructor first day, cash or check)

Let's talk about all things wigs and makeup. We'll explore topics related to design, wig building, application, and everything in between.

Karman Boisset, a 2009 JMU graduate, has worked in wigs and makeup for major opera companies nationwide. A former apprentice award recipient, she has served as run-crew, wig mistress, builder, and designer. She now teaches stage makeup at JMU and designs for Charlottesville Opera and the Virginia Theatre Festival.