by Deborah Lanser
Introduction
Mark your calendar for December 20, the day when the WinterFest catalog will arrive so you can start planning your January schedule. As usual, there will be two talks given on four consecutive Wednesdays—January 8, 15, 22, and 29—at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. No sign-up is required. Just log into Zoom using the link that will be sent to each member and enjoy the talk. You are welcome to share the Zoom link with a friend. Here’s a foretaste of the enticing offerings.
Antisemitism
Rabbi Jonathan Kligler will address an important issue of our time in Understanding the Systemic Nature and History of Antisemitism. He will review the origins and history of antisemitism, describe the ways it is structural in Western thought, and illuminate how this ancient prejudice is being deployed to skew our perspective of current events.
Health and Wellbeing
Gyno-Curious? Ask Dr. Amy! will provide members with the opportunity to ask questions about many aspects of women’s health and healing, including menopause, bone density, prolapse, UTIs, and sexuality as we age. In her practice, gynecologist Amy Novatt, MD, has provided all aspects of gynecological care to help women find strategies for healing and improved lifestyles.
In Restorative Yoga, Linda Cassidy will describe methods for physical and psychological renewal in a gentle 90-minute class suitable for practitioners at all levels. Meditation, breathwork, and slow deep movements will promote physical relaxation and mental equanimity.
The desire to belong is part of what makes us human, notes Robin Bernstein. She will help us address the epidemic of loneliness in Mindfulness Meditation on “Belonging.”
Adventure
The cold winter months need not chill our sense of adventure. Historian James West Davidson undertook to retrace the route across the unforgiving wilderness of Labrador originally taken by three companions in 1903. He will address the controversy engendered by the original explorers and share observations from his own trek in Great Heart: The Exploration of Labrador.
Art
Art lovers may revel in Ronnit Vasserman’s review of the 60th international art exhibition, the Venice Biennale. Many visual and performing artists used this year’s theme, “Foreigners Everywhere,” to create works reflecting the idea of displacement, migration, and fluidity of identity.
Under the expert guidance of artist Betsy Jacaruso, students of all skill levels will learn about Painting a Hudson Valley Moonscape in Watercolor. Her website betsyjacaruso.com provides a list of suggested supplies that aspiring artists may acquire to participate in this virtual class.
Poughkeepsie History
Randy Alstadt will offer a Virtual Tour of the Poughkeepsie Waterworks. Members can enjoy a unique opportunity to learn how the 1872 water filtration plant transforms water from the Hudson River into potable water.
Did you know that in the 19th and 20th centuries, Poughkeepsie was a manufacturing hub for a wide variety of products? Shannon Butler will introduce us to many of the locally manufactured products in Made in Poughkeepsie—19th Century Manufacturing.
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