From The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School:
We are celebrating our 90th year with a fall catalog full of fun events and over 100 classes, including many new and exciting offerings!
Whatever your interest, we have something for you: lectures, day trips, experiences, fitness, technology, creativity, performing arts and so much more. Browse the online catalog, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and register for classes at somadultschool.org.
Join us in celebrating our 90th anniversary at our Decades Dance Party fundraiser on Friday, October 20 at the Woodland. Dance the night away with music from every decade since 1933. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth, a silent auction, special guests, and lots of fun, all while supporting SOMAS’s mission of lifelong learning! Find out more and get your tickets now.
FALL HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Eva Samo Lecture: Alexander Motyl, Ph.D.: Ukraine Update
A lecture focusing on the causes and consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the chances for a lasting peace, the implications for Putin and his regime, the survivability of the Russian Federation, and the challenges facing post-war Ukraine. Alexander Motyl is a professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark. - Stephen Whitty Presents: Independence Days
The indie films of the ’90s excited audiences and even won a few Oscars. We’ll discuss how the boom started, look at some of its wonders — Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, and NJ’s own Kevin Smith — see clips from their movies and try to assess how much they changed Hollywood (or it changed them). - ChatGPT, LLMS and AI- Oh My!
Is AI a lifesaver to businesses or the end of jobs and independent/creative thinking? We will cover the foundations of these technologies and their implications for individuals and businesses. Matt Konwiser is a recognized technology leader with over 25 years of experience in the field, specializing in data, AI, automation, and cybersecurity. - Bridge Builder In Petticoats: Emily Warren Roebling & The Brooklyn Bridge
Carol Simon Levin impersonates Emily Warren Roebling to tell the story of the woman who helped manage the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge - Gender Reveal: Exploring The Connection Between Fashion & Gender
Clothes are the most public and intimate declarations of our identities. They tell countless stories: from our occupation to class to religion to heritage. Explore how fashion and the expression of gender have been affected by laws, cultural mores, trade routes, marketing schemes and so much more. - Lectures from award-winning art history educator Janet Mandel featuring Manet and Degas and Pablo Picasso.
The Fall 2023 semester also features over 100 stimulating classes and entertaining events:
Our popular Arthouse Film Festival returns to The Village at SOPAC starting September 18 with a variety of ticket options.
Take a day trip with our Meadowlands Eco-Cruise, Hudson Yards Holiday Shopping Tour, NYC Vintage Shopping Tour, or retrace the steps of the 1776 Battle of Fort Washington and Fort Lee.
Experience a culinary journey with an Oktoberfest Beer-Pairing Dinner at Pickett’s or a Wine-Pairing Dinner at Bistro d’Azur.
Explore new ways to keep your body moving with a Bollywood Workout, Birding in New Jersey, Pilates, Yoga, T’ai Chi, Zumba, or Couch to 5k.
To spark your creativity, try classes like Amigurumi – The Art Of Crocheting Stuffed Toys, Macrame, Adventures in Watercolors, Acrylic Painting, Creative Writing Workshop, Writing a Memoir or Poetry and Performance.
Or take to the stage with Flamenco, Tap Dancing, How to Play Piano by Ear, Stand-Up Comedy, and Theatrical Improvisation.
Take control of your future and finances with Retirement Income Planning, Divorce Demystified, The Fundamentals of Investing, Long-Term Planning 101, and Social Security & Medicare.
Stimulate your mind (and bring a friend) with Chess for Beginners, Mah Jongg, Bridge, or a new language.
Cultivate your green thumb with Gardening for Beginners, Build Your Own Raised-Garden Bed, Native Plant Gardening for Beginner, and Seed Collecting and Winter Sowing. Or spruce up your interior with Home Staging, Upholstery, Master Your Sewing Machine, Enhance Your Home: Be Smart With What You Have.
Focus on yourself and your health with Meditation, Hypnosis for stress, stopping smoking and weight loss, Makeup for Women Over 50, Coping with Hearing Loss, and Sound Bath Experience.
Dive into technology with AI Tools for Everyday Use, Apple Watch, Cutting the Cord on Cable and Lights, Camera, Action.
For the kids and teens, we have Animation, Junior Golf and Keyboarding for Kids, Basic Skincare & Makeup For Teens, plus Suzuki Violin and new Suzuki Guitar.
Are you thinking about college or career planning? We can help: Build a Winning Resume, The Art of the Career Pivot, Choosing the Right College, Parents Guide to the College Process, Executive Functions and the Challenges of ADHD, and PSAT/SAT/ACT classes.
Fall is a great time to learn something new or expand your existing knowledge and skills. Check out our catalog and sign up today. Classes fill up quickly, so don’t wait!
More classes will be added throughout the semester, so be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter at somadultschool.org.
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The Adult School is a nonprofit organization and does not receive any taxpayer funding. The school relies solely on the revenue from tuition and contributions from our vital community. To donate or become a sponsor, please email schoolinfo@somadultschool.org or visit the website.
