Fifty and Better Program Announces FABulous Winter Lecture Series, Special Course and Activities
California Lutheran University’s Fifty and Better (FAB) program has announced its FABulous Winter Lecture Series, a special winter four-week course, and winter activity classes, including beginning watercolor, chair yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, and new Gentle Yoga and Zumba Gold offerings.
The FABulous Winter Lecture Series begins Jan. 12 and features both individual one-day, two-hour lectures and two-part lectures offered over two days on a wide range of topics. The series also includes a special four-week topical course.
In the four-week course, Dr. David Livingstone will examine the shift occurring in American foreign relations due to the evolving China-Russia alliance.
Winter lectures include a presentation by Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig exploring how insights from modern speech and language sciences help illuminate the history of the Jewish people and the development of their holy language. Katherine Zoraster will present two lectures, one examining the 50-year history of the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, focusing on highlights from Norton Simon’s personal collection, and a second lecture exploring the career of Andy Warhol. Sam and Candy Caponegro will explore the life and career of Broadway’s most renowned producer, David Merrick.
Additional lectures include Dr. Jason Hensley’s examination of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches beyond “I Have a Dream” to better understand what made him such a powerful orator; Dr. Ken Seligson’s exploration of ancient Mexican civilizations, including the Olmec, Teotihuacan and Aztec cultures; Scott Jones’ discussion of the archaeological search for Homer’s world; and Mike Clancy’s review of the evolution of climate change science from the early 1800s to the present.
FAB is also offering a free virtual tour of the Japanese American National Museum, followed by a talk with a survivor.
Individual lectures are $10 each. FAB students may choose any five lectures for $40 or bundle all lectures for $75.
Approximately half of the lectures and the special course will be offered in a HyFlex format, allowing participants to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. All lectures and courses are recorded and available for later viewing.
All lectures meet for two hours. In-person lectures are held on California Lutheran University’s main campus in Thousand Oaks. Parking is free and accessible. Registration is now open.
In addition to lectures, FAB is offering a variety of activity classes. Chair yoga classes with Anyez Klevecz will be available both in person and virtually in five-week winter and spring sessions. Qigong and Tai Chi classes with Jim Belsley will also be offered in five-week sessions on Friday mornings. Level 1 classes incorporate Qigong with light Tai Chi, while Level 2 classes focus on beginning Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance and coordination.
FAB’s beginner watercolor class will meet in two five-week sessions during the winter and spring. Two new pilot classes are also being introduced: Gentle Yoga with Anyez Klevecz to improve flexibility and mobility, and Zumba Gold with Cheryl Wu Hall, offering a fun, low-impact cardio workout. Details and pricing are available on the Fifty and Better website.
The FAB program was designed to provide university-level courses with no tests or homework, taught by experts in their fields, while also offering social engagement opportunities for individuals age 50 and older. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of in-person courses, California Lutheran University responded by becoming one of the first programs in the area to offer courses virtually via Zoom. The program’s first year was a success, providing an essential learning and connection outlet during the pandemic. Since then, FAB has evolved into a year-round program offering lectures, courses and activities, all available virtually, with approximately half also offered in person.
To date, FAB has served more than 1,900 students, hosted nearly 130 courses, and presented more than 290 lectures. The program has sponsored tours to museums and points of interest within and outside Ventura County, hosted “FAB Nights” at the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, and offered virtual tours of institutions such as The Broad and the Holocaust Museum. FAB also provides several free virtual lectures and virtual or in-person tours each year to ensure continued learning opportunities for the 50-plus community.
FAB student Debbie Weiss shared, “I keep returning to the FAB classes because a variety of subjects are always offered and the faculty are extremely qualified. The material is always organized and presented well. The FAB program was a lifesaver during COVID and has continued to hold my interest. I love that most classes are offered as a hybrid, which gives me the opportunity to decide whether to attend in person or online. Intellectual stimulation is very important to me, and I definitely receive that from the classes.”
To register for lectures, courses and activities, visit CalLutheran.edu/fab. For more information, contact Christina Tierney at fab@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3290.
