Mon40 Chinese Mahjong – Southfield Village

with Cecelia Hossler

September 17th to November 19th, 2026

$55 More Info

Mahjong is a fascinating Chinese game of skill, strategy, and calculation often described as a “mind sport.” Learn the basics of the official game, tile recognition, scoring, and winning strategies while enjoying friendly competition. Researchers suggest mentally stimulating games may help support cognitive health. Join us to sharpen your thinking skills and discover the enjoyment of Chinese Mahjong.

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Thu45 Touches of Theater

with Barb Thomas, Ed.D

September 17th to November 12th, 2026

$57 More Info

Explore modern and contemporary plays through reading, discussion, and performance. Participants will examine playwrights, historical context, and dramatic themes while viewing selected performance clips. Students will read plays in advance, assume character roles during class, and share critiques and insights. The course culminates in a readers’ theater presentation, with a possible field trip to a local production. $2 copy fee included in class cost.

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Thu46 Beginner Cardio Drumming

with Ruth Metcalf

September 17th to November 5th, 2026

$55 More Info

Get moving with this fun, beginner-friendly cardio drumming class. Drum along to upbeat music while enjoying gentle exercise from a seated or standing position. The class emphasizes stretching, arm movement, and participation at your own pace, making it accessible to all fitness levels. Participants should bring a large exercise ball, bucket or basket, and drumsticks or wooden spoons. (No class Oct. 22.)

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Fri10 Autumn’s Subtleties and Splendor

with Jan McGowan, Interpretive Naturalist, MLS

September 18th to October 2nd, 2026

$25 More Info

Meet a naturalist at one of the St. Joseph County Parks on three Fridays in Fall, to discover and observe life’s preparation for winter. Programs begin with an indoor introduction to what’s going on with the plants, animals and insects that share our world. Then head out to look and listen for nature in action. The outdoor portion will be rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have loaners available. Sept 18—Bendix Woods Nature Center October 16—Spicer Lake Visitors Center November 20—St. Patrick's Park Brown Barn

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Fri11 Notre Dame and the Civil War

with William Gilroy, M.A., M.S.

September 18th to November 20th, 2026

$55 More Info

The esteemed novelist and historian Shelby Foote once said of the American Civil War: "It was the crossroads of our being, and it was a hell of a crossroads." The war was also a crossroads for the University of Notre Dame as numerous students, and Holy Cross priests, brothers and sisters from neighboring St. Mary's College became immersed in the conflict. In this course we will examine how the war impacted Notre Dame and the many roles members of its community played in the conflict.

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Fri13 Beginning American Mah Jongg

with Lynn McDonald, MSN, MSEd

September 18th to November 20th, 2026

$60 More Info

Learn the game whose name means “clattering sparrows” due to the sound of the tiles as they’re shuffled. We’ll use the National Mah Jongg League card, with plenty of time to play and build skills. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to confidently join a mah jongg group. Students purchase their own 2026 NMJL card. $5 materials fee.

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Fri14 Oldtime Contra Dance

with Kevin Cawley, Ph.D.

September 18th to November 20th, 2026

$55 More Info

Experience the lively tradition of contra dance, popular since colonial times. Dancers learn figures such as allemande, dosido, circle, star, promenade, and swing while progressing through long lines of couples. Instruction includes walk-throughs before dancing to music, with guidance from a caller throughout. Circle dances and English country dances will also be introduced. https://sites.nd.edu/wcawley/dance/.

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Fri24 Sew a Rope Bowl!

with Katie Markell

September 18th, 2026

$25 More Info

We will use cotton rope/clothesline to sew a beautiful and useful bowl using the zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine. You just need to know basic sewing techniques for this course, and if possible, bring a working sewing machine with you. If you cannot bring a machine, I will have two extra machines for people to share. If time allows, we will learn techniques like adding fabric to a bowl. The course cost includes all materials needed (cotton rope, thread, needle and basic instructions). The session will meet on Friday, September 18 for 3 hours.

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Fri16 Religion and Politics

with Angela McCarthy, Ph.D.

September 18th to October 9th, 2026

$35 More Info

Explore the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Topics include America’s religious history and landscape, theories of religion and culture, public opinion, voting behavior, and the role religion plays in shaping American society, identity, and contemporary political life.

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Fri17 Rest In Peace

with Kathleen Matuszak, MPA

September 18th to October 16th, 2026

$35 More Info

What happens when someone dies, and who makes the important decisions? Join a licensed funeral director with 17+ years of experience for an informative look at burial, cremation, funeral planning, legal considerations, and consumer choices. Learn about key documents, the history and science of funeral service, and ways to avoid costly mistakes. Bring your questions for an open Q&A and gain practical knowledge to help your family make informed decisions. Meets every other Friday for a 3-hour session.

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